Separation of powers: Pillar of good governance

 

 Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Nov 10, 2026 12:05 am

The principle of separation of powers is among the most important safeguards of our democracy. Enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, it establishes three co-equal branches of government – the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary – each with clearly defined powers and responsibilities. Their independence, complemented by a system of checks and balances, ensures that no single branch can exercise excessive or unchecked authority.

This is not merely a constitutional doctrine for lawyers and government officials to debate. It has direct consequences for every Filipino. When power is concentrated in one branch, accountability suffers, public resources become vulnerable to misuse, and citizens risk being deprived of their rights. Good governance requires not only effective leadership but also institutional restraints against the abuse of authority.

Our recent political history offers important lessons.

During the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) unconstitutional demonstrated the importance of judicial independence. The subsequent ruling in Araullo v. Aquino on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) further affirmed that even the Executive’s pursuit of economic development must remain within constitutional limits. No good intention can justify an unconstitutional exercise of power.

The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte tested institutional independence in other ways. The removal of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno through a controversial quo warranto proceeding, the extension of martial law in Mindanao, and questions surrounding accountability for the government’s anti-drug campaign raised fundamental concerns about the capacity of institutions to exercise independent judgment. Congress, in particular, must not allow political alignment with the President to diminish its constitutional responsibility to scrutinize executive actions.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the importance of these safeguards has again come into sharp focus, particularly in the preparation and enactment of national budgets. The Supreme Court’s Oct. 20, 2026 decision declaring unconstitutional major provisions of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 General Appropriations Acts provides a compelling reminder that even Congress cannot exceed constitutional boundaries.

The Court struck down the ₱449.5-billion increase in unprogrammed appropriations under the 2024 budget and the ₱17.99-billion increase in the 2025 Special Road Fund. It also invalidated two provisions of the 2026 budget. Importantly, it ruled that the constitutional ceiling on appropriations recommended by the President applies to the combined programmed and unprogrammed appropriations.

The Court’s scrutiny of the bicameral conference committee was particularly significant. Its authority, the Court emphasized, extends only to reconciling actual disagreements between the House and Senate versions of a bill. The absence of adequate records explaining budgetary changes and supporting documentation underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability in the legislative process.

The ruling carries a stern warning: the doctrine of operative fact protects beneficiaries who relied in good faith on irreversible government programs, but does not automatically shield the authors, proponents, and implementors of unconstitutional provisions from possible civil, criminal, or administrative liability.

Congress must take this decision to heart. Its power of the purse is not an unrestricted license to manipulate appropriations, circumvent constitutional ceilings, or introduce provisions that evade meaningful public scrutiny. Neither political alliances nor bicameral compromises can supersede the Constitution.

The three branches need not be adversaries. They must cooperate in addressing national challenges. But cooperation must never mean capitulation. Checks and balances are not obstacles to governance; they are indispensable instruments for making it accountable, transparent, and responsive.

Ultimately, the Constitution is not a document to be invoked selectively when politically convenient. It is the supreme law that binds everyone, especially those entrusted with public authority. Congress must remember that its members are sworn to uphold the Constitution, not merely to serve their political parties or protect the administration of the day.

The Filipino people deserve a government in which no branch is above the law. The strength of our democracy is measured not by how much power its leaders can accumulate, but by how faithfully they respect the constitutional limits on that power.

Philippines reopens poultry imports from Germany, Peru; bans Minnesota shipments anew

 

By Dexter Barro II

Published Nov 10, 2026 06:12 am

The Philippines will once again import poultry and its products from Germany and Peru after several years of suspension, as both countries have contained their respective outbreaks of bird flu, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DA issued Department Circular (DC) Nos. 54 and 56 to lift the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen, from both countries.

The agency noted that all import transactions with Germany and Peru involving the identified commodities are now permitted, provided that they comply with existing rules and regulations.

Based on the two DCs, authorities from Germany and Peru reported that they had successfully resolved all cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, within their borders.

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has since confirmed these developments and that there have been no additional recorded outbreaks, the DA said.

Following its own evaluation, the agency ruled that the risk of contamination from the entry of imported poultry and their products from Germany and Peru is “negligible.”

The DA earlier suspended poultry imports from Germany in 2020 following a reported outbreak of bird flu in the town of Bretzfeld, situated in the Hohenlohekreis district of Baden-Württemberg.

Meanwhile, a poultry import ban was implemented against Peru in 2022 after the presence of HPAI was detected in domestic birds in the South American country.

The resumption of imports from both nations is expected to strengthen the country’s poultry supply and help ease price pressures ahead of an anticipated increase in demand over the holiday season.

Government data showed that chicken imports reached 369,926 metric tons (MT) from January to August, up by 15 percent from 322,007 MT in the same period last year.

Local poultry production, as a whole, rose by 4.8 percent to 823,140 MT in the third quarter alone from 785,100 MT a year ago.

In a bid to protect the local poultry sector from a bird flu outbreak, the DA is once again imposing a temporary ban on poultry imports from Minnesota in the United States (US) following a new bird flu case.

Under DC 55, the DA said the import suspension covers domestic and wild birds and their products, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen.

A trade restriction on the US state was deemed necessary to “prevent the entry of HPAI virus and protect the health of the local poultry population.”

With the ban in place, the DA has suspended the processing and evaluation of applications and the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs), documents required for commodities to enter the country.

All previously approved SPSICs are automatically revoked, while shipments that were in transit, loaded, or accepted at port on or before the order took effect shall be allowed entry, provided that the poultry was slaughtered or processed on or before Aug. 18.

The temporary suspension on poultry imports from Minnesota comes after several outbreaks of HPAI in domestic birds in the counties of Wright, Big Stone, Kandiyohi, Otter Tail, Becker, Ravalli, and Benton in September.

The DA recently lifted a 10-month import restriction on poultry products from Minnesota last August after it initially contained the spread of the animal disease.

Since 2016, the Philippines and the US have had a regionalization agreement under which a statewide ban will be imposed if HPAI infects three or more counties in a single state.  

PLDT, Farm Fresh in crucial PVL tiff

 

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Nov 9, 2026 01:53 pm

At A Glance

• Toting identical 3-2 cards, the winner in their 1 p.m. tussle will clinch solo third behind unbeaten Nxled (5-0) and Creamline (4-1) that would tighten their spot inside the Top 4.   PLDT and Farm Fresh seek to bolster their respective semifinal bids when they collide on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Toting identical 3-2 cards, the winner in their 1 p.m. tussle will clinch solo third behind unbeaten Nxled (5-0) and Creamline (4-1) that would tighten their spot inside the Top 4.

Expect an all-out battle from the two squads, especially PLDT, which is riding the crest of a three-game winning streak.

Fresh off a hard-earned five-set victory over the fancied Cool Smashers, the High Speed Hitters are expected to unleash another explosive performance, bannered by Savi Davison, Dell Palomata, Alleiah Malaluan, Kianna Dy and Kim Fajardo.

Davison said they are not taking their current status in the standings lightly.

“I mean, we still have a couple of tough teams to play. We have Choco Mucho, we have Farm Fresh, we have Galeries, and I think we have one more. But, I mean, just looking forward, I think we have to focus more on our side of the court. Regardless of who we play, I know that if we control the pace, if we play the way that we can, regardless of who's on the other side of the net, I feel like we're going to have a hard time,” said Davison.

The Foxies, however, are also coming off a morale-boosting five-set triumph over the ZUS Thunderbelles, with Trish Tubu, Ces Molina, Royse Tubino and Alohi Robins-Hardy out to set the stage for another fierce showdown.

Meanwhile, Galeries Tower and ZUS Coffee collide at 6 p.m. in another crucial showdown, with the Highrisers looking to build on their hard-earned five-set victory over the Chargers last week that improved their tally to 1-4.

The Thunderbelles, for their part, seeks to finally break into the win column after absorbing back-to-back heartbreaking five-set losses to Farm Fresh and Capital1 to plummet at 0-5.

Cianne Dominguez and Shea Valerio under fire over Gehlee Dangca, Jeo Ong issue; Star Magic speaks out

By Neil Ramos

Published Nov 8, 2026 03:22 pm

Now, ABS-CBN is jumping into the fray.

The controversy involving "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 3.0" housemates Gehlee Dangca, Jeo Ong, Cianne Dominguez, and Shea Valerio has grown to such proportions that Star Magic, the network's talent management arm, has stepped in to address the growing online backlash against the contestants.

What started as conversations about Shea's apparent interest in Jeo and his closeness with Gehlee has since become one of the season's biggest talking points. Livestream clips showing Cianne and Shea discussing Gehlee, along with other interactions that viewers found questionable, prompted accusations of backstabbing and bullying, particularly from Gehlee's supporters.

The criticism intensified as more clips circulated, including one showing Cianne and Shea laughing at Gehlee's dance moves and another in which Cianne called attention to Jeo's breath. These moments fueled discussions across social media, with fans dissecting the housemates' behavior and rallying behind their respective favorites.

The growing controversy has also spilled into fan voting discussions, with unofficial online popularity polls reflecting the divide in public reception. Gehlee has drawn considerable support from her fanbase, while Cianne and Shea have faced negative reactions. Although these independent polls do not represent official "PBB" voting results, they demonstrate how housemate controversies can mobilize viewers and influence the way they express their support.

On November 5, Star Magic issued a statement condemning the online bullying, harassment, and personal attacks directed at Cianne, Shea, and other housemates.

"Star Magic strongly condemns the online bullying, harassment, and personal attacks directed toward Cianne Dominguez, Shea Valerio and other 'Pinoy Big Brother' housemates," the agency said.

"While public opinions and criticisms are part of reality television, they should never be an excuse for hate or cruelty," it added, encouraging viewers to practice responsible social media engagement and approach differences in opinion with respect and compassion.

The statement comes as the controversy raises another important consideration about reality television: how much of a housemate's public image is shaped by what viewers actually see and how much is influenced by the way those moments are presented?

With hours of interactions condensed into edited episodes, certain conversations and reactions can shape the audience's perception of a contestant, while other details and context may never make the final cut. Even livestream clips, despite offering a less edited look inside the house, do not always capture the entirety of an interaction.

This does not mean viewers should stop questioning or criticizing the housemates' actions. However, the growing backlash also highlights the need to distinguish between holding contestants accountable and making sweeping judgments about their character based on selected moments.

As "PBB Collab 3.0" moves forward, the Gehlee-Jeo storyline and the criticism surrounding Cianne and Shea have become more than just another housemate dispute. They have also sparked conversations about fan loyalty, public voting, reality TV editing, and the responsibilities that come with following contestants beyond the confines of Bahay ni Kuya.

Vergessene deutsche Wörter, die kaum noch jemand kennt

 Vergessene deutsche Wörter, die kaum noch jemand kennt

„Radotieren“, ist das wirklich Deutsch? Es gibt Wörter in unserer Sprache, die kaum noch jemand kennt. Dabei sind sie doch schön! Wir feiern hier diese fast vergessenen Wörter.

Klären wir zunächst einmal auf, was „radotieren“ heißt. Der Duden führt es tatsächlich noch auf, wenn auch mit dem Zusatz „veraltet“. Und es bedeutet „ungehemmt schwatzen“, ist das nicht toll? Und es gibt ganz sicher noch mehr solche deutschen Wörter, die fast vergessen sind – die aber doch eigentlich Potential hätten zur Wiederbelebung. Und naja: Alles kommt wieder. Schlaghosen, Polaroid und sogar das Arschgeweih.Vielleicht auch das ein oder andere dieser Wörter?

blümerant

flau, unwohl, übel

Fisimatenten

etwas, was unnötigerweise etwas anderes behindert, verzögert; Umstände; Sperenzchen, Ausflüchte

haselieren

Albernen Unfug machen; oder auch: lärmen, toben

hanebüchen

empörend, unerhört, skandalös

Oheim

Onkel

Gabelfrühstück

bei besonderen festlichen Anlässen eingenommenes zweites Frühstück am späten Vormittag, bei dem zu alkoholischen Getränken pikant zubereitete kalte Speisen gereicht werden

piesacken

jemandem hartnäckig mit etwas zusetzen; jemanden unaufhörlich ärgern, quälen, peinigen

honett

auf eine eher biedere Art rechtschaffen, ehrenhaft und anständig und so jemandem wohlgefällige Achtung abnötigend

Kokolores

Unsinn, Unfug; oder auch: Getue, Aufheben

Augenweide

sehr schöner, ästhetischer Anblick, den etwas oder jemand bietet

Warum vergessen wir manche Wörter?

Sprache ist dynamisch, sie verändert sich ständig. Das passiert ganz natürlich und auch unbewusst. Einfach nur dadurch, dass Menschen gewisse Wörter benutzen oder auch nicht. Das kann viele Gründe haben. Vielleicht gibt es andere Wörter, die den Begriff besser bezeichnen und häufiger benutzt werden. Oder es kommen ganz neue Wörter in die Sprache, die alte Begriffe verdrängen. Manche Wörter verändern sich auch über die Zeit nur ein bisschen, werden aber weiterhin genutzt.

In der Wissenschaft gibt es ganze Disziplinen, die sich mit Sprachwandel beschäftigen. Dass bestimmte Wörter mit der Zeit verschwinden und neue dazukommen, ist nicht außergewöhnlich, sondern gehört dazu.

EL NIÑO DOES NOT MEAN NO RAIN!

The occurrence of El Niño does not mean that an area will experience zero rainfall or that rain will completely disappear.

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A chicken ‘inasal’ story

 

Chicken inasal is life. My life. It is defined by the parts I have regularly consumed for years: pakpak, isol, pecho, and paa.

How I choose which piece to order has become a reflection of my character. I am not solely molded by my endeavors, challenges, achievements, or recognition, but also by a dish that has been part of almost my entire existence—grilled chicken.

My story began with the delight and discovery of how delicious pakpak was. Introduced to chicken inasal at a young age, my younger self quickly established pakpak as my forever go-to. I became the kid who loved wings so much that relatives would tease me about growing my own. Yet, that never stopped me from ordering them again and again.   

I became so accustomed to its availability that while eating pakpak brought excitement and pleasure, its absence brought extreme disappointment. I vividly remember the tantrum I threw when a waitress told my parents that there were no wings left. For them, it was only a part of a chicken. For me, it was a source of comfort after a long, tiring day at school.

Pakpak was my first heartbreak. My parents knew that, while they wanted to make me happy, I also needed to understand that not everything would always go my way. It taught me that joy should not be anchored in the expectation that something will always be there. I had to learn to adjust, compromise, and, most importantly, move on.

That led me to explore other options, including one of my father’s favorites—isol, commonly known as the chicken butt.

Compared to the pakpak’s bony, firm texture, the isol offered immense juiciness and tenderness from its natural fat. Every bite was rich and bursting with flavor. I was so impressed that it quickly became my newfound favorite. Even knowing it was literally the “butt” of a chicken could not make me care less.

That changed when I found yellow remnants inside that looked like fecal matter. No matter how others tried to convince me otherwise, my mind was made up. I would not be ordering isol again anytime soon.

Isol became my turning point. What seemed almost perfect had something far less welcoming hidden within. The possibility had always been there, but my enjoyment had outweighed the thought of encountering something I might dislike. It reminded me that, at the end of the day, it was still a chicken’s butt.

So, just as I had found an alternative to pakpak through isol, I searched again for the part that might be right for me.

I considered the biggest, meatiest, most popular, and priciest piece—pecho. Ordering it had always intimidated me. It could either be extremely juicy or frustratingly tough. Although widely regarded as the best-seller, it never stood out to me. The prospect of consuming more meat, regardless of how dry it could be, was never appealing.

Nevertheless, I gave it a chance with an open mind. I was not wrong. Pecho simply confirmed what I already knew. What is pleasurable to many does not have to be the same for me. Certain things simply do not align with my preferences, and there is nothing wrong with that. I only have to accept that it is not my cup of tea—or not my part of the chicken.

In searching for what I liked best, I discovered something beyond my criteria for evaluating chicken. Perhaps it is not merely flavor or texture that determines what becomes my favorite. Maybe it is also the realization that comes with how I perceive and assess the world. With every choice I make and every reaction I have, I see how they become manifestations of my authentic individuality.

Like how the tantalizing pakpak was my eye-opener, grounding me in the reality that not everything can be within my reach or control.

Like how the tender isol was my actualization, helping me recognize the imperfections hidden within seemingly perfect things.

Like how the daunting pecho was my affirmation that I do not need to conform to society’s conventional idea of what is “good” or “worth it.”

Because, in the end, it was never up to others to decide.

It had always been mine.

Driven by my intrinsic desire to find the best part, I failed to fathom that perhaps…the right part had been right in front of me all along. It is not deeply flavorful or the meatiest, nor is it the most tender. Yet, it stands as the branding of almost every chicken inasal branch, recognized not for being extraordinary, but for being simple, familiar, and loved precisely as it is. 

It is the classic chicken paa. With the cut including both the drumstick and thigh, it strikes the ideal balance of chewiness, succulence, and meatiness. Nothing lacking, nothing excessive—simply enough to bring a “yuhom” to my face, solidifying that I truly am from the City of Smiles. 

Sometimes, being blinded by the ambition to reach what’s highest, extend to what’s furthest, or propel toward what’s “best” makes us forget about what truly matters. So, I let my chicken inasal story remind me that I don’t have to figure everything out all at once.

After all, it takes bites and many tries before truly realizing what makes us simply us.

HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE?

 

By

 Klaus Döring

 -

Monday, November 9, 2026

LIVING life intentionally means shifting from just “passing time” and running on autopilot to actively engaging with the present moment, your values, and your relationships.

Living your life intentionally means aligning your daily habits, mindset, and choices with your core values rather than reacting purely to outside pressure.  

Write Love Letters

To cultivate a life you love and experience happiness, focus on appreciating the present, nurturing positive relationships, and prioritizing self-care. This involves actively seeking joy, engaging in meaningful activities, and practicing gratitude. 

Here’s a more detailed approach:

1. Cultivate Gratitude and Positive Thinking

* Practice gratitude – Regularly acknowledge the good things in your life, both big and small, through journaling or simply taking  time to reflect. 

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* Challenge negative thoughts – When negative thoughts arise, actively reframe them in a more positive and constructive way. 

* Focus on solutions – Instead of dwelling on problems, concentrate on finding solutions and taking action. 

2. Engage in Meaningful Activities and Experiences

* Pursue your passions – Dedicate time to activities you enjoy and that bring you a sense of accomplishment. 

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* Learn and grow – Embrace new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for personal development. 

* Step outside your comfort zone – Don’t be afraid to try new things and push your boundaries. 

* Connect with nature – Spend time outdoors, appreciating the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. 

3. Prioritize Self-Care

* Nourish your body: — Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and engage in regular physical activity. 

* Manage stress – Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies. 

Write Love Letters

* Spend time alone – Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to recharge. 

* Be kind to yourself – Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend. 

4. Build Positive Relationships

* Nurture existing relationships – Spend quality time with loved ones, offering support and connection. 

Write Love Letters

* Expand your social circle – Connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and values. 

* Be kind and helpful – Engage in acts of service and kindness, both for others and for yourself. 

5. Live in the Present Moment

* Practice mindfulness – Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. 

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* Let go of the past – Avoid dwelling on past regrets or mistakes, and focus on creating a positive future. 

* Be present during interactions – Actively listen to others and engage in meaningful conversations. 

By consciously incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a greater sense of happiness, love life more fully, and create a life that truly aligns with your values and aspirations, according to multiple self-help resources. 

Write Love Letters

***

Comments, suggestions, questions? Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or X (Twitter) or visit one of websites www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN