Pinoys pray for peace in West Asia, the world on Holy Week
“We earnestly pray for peace in the Middle East and the world. May God purify the world of all violence, greed, and misuse of power that bring suffering and death to many. Let us pray to the Lord,” the first part of the suggested intention says.
On the arrest of Josephine Parra Porquia, Ma. Luisa Tagamolila Guillen
“Arresting two senior women development workers on Maundy Thursday is cruelty dressed up as law enforcement. Hindi ito ‘due process’—panggigipit ito. Ginagamit ang batas at mga gawa-gawang kaso para patahimikin ang mga tumutulong at naglilingkod sa mamamayan.”
US/Israel aggression in West Asia impacts how Filipinos observe Good Friday
Manuel and Eden Alcaraz chose to take their scooter instead of their car to seven churches around Quezon City this Good Friday. “Our fuel costs would be significantly lower. God would understand,” Eden said.
Towns declare emergency due to fuel scarcity
Towns in the Philippines are declaring a state of calamity over fuel shortages and energy crisis brought about by the US/Israel attacks against Iran.
Maundy Thursday arrests of elderly women activists ‘calculated, cruel’ – rights group
“Josephine and Ma. Luisa are not, and never will be, criminals. They are development workers who have devoted their lives to uplifting marginalized communities. They lead their families and communities in demanding accountability from the State, after what happened to their loved ones,” Palabay emphasized.
Insiders: DOH wastes P1.5 billion worth of medicines
A 33-page complaint was filed with the country’s Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday by a group that identified themselves as “concerned Department of Health (DoH) personnel,” accusing health secretary Ted Herbosa and 16 other officials of graft and of serious dishonesty.
Less tourists in Baguio this Holy Week
Journalist Kim Quitasol said that she feels bad for the small businesses affected by reduced tourist arrivals. “There is now less income for the vegetable vendors, transient house operations, souvenir sellers at our tourist spots,” she added.
Food as part of Lenten abstinence
Catholics in the predominantly Christian country developed meals and snacks that are without meat or seafood, in keeping with the spirit of abstinence that should be the prevailing mood of the occasion. Regions of the Philippines have their own favorites, and here are some of them.
BFP fires hundreds of inspectors suspected of corruption
Fire extinguishers “forcibly” sold by inspectors or their affiliates—often in exchange for issuing business permits—are typically marked up several times the standard market price, often costing around ₱5,000. A standard 10-pound fire extinguishers may be bought for only ₱1,000 to ₱2,500 and may even be cheaper online.
Erupting volcanoes as tourism attractions in the Philippines
Mayon Volcano’s crater glowed with lava and its slopes were streaked in red while an ash plume rose by an estimated 500 meters into the air on Tuesday night.