PH named head of ASEAN judiciaries to review, propose guidelines on video conferencing in courts

Published November 8, 2022, 10:00 AM

by Rey Panaligan, MB

Supreme Court Justices led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo during the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices in Malaysia, Nov. 5, 2022. 

The Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines has been named by the Council of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chief Justices (CACJ) as head of a working group on the adoption of common principles and guidelines on the conduct of video conference hearings (VCH) in judicial cases within the region.

A working group on VCH was set up by the ASEAN chief justices at the conclusion of the two-day CACJ meeting last Nov. 5 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The adoption of VCH in the ASEAN judiciaries was proposed by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as he cited the gains achieved by the Philippines’ judiciary in the use of technology-based system and infrastructure at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his message last Nov. 4 to CACJ delegates and other participants, Chief Justice Gesmundo said “in the interest of consistency, efficiency, and mutual protection, therefore, a CACJ ASEAN protocol on the conduct of video conference hearings would be ideal.” 

He said the Philippine judiciary “has successfully adopted the VCH modality for all our courts, including the Supreme Court (SC).”

“Aptly dubbed ‘a child of necessity,’ we issued Guidelines for the VCH to ensure the uninterrupted and timely delivery of our court services despite the continuing threat of the Covid-19 virus,” he also said.

He pointed out that “due to this high success rate, the Supreme Court is presently updating its Guidelines on VCH to transition the use of the rule to a post-pandemic world, making it a permanent device and option in every Filipino judge’s trial toolkit, especially for the best interests of child witnesses, for enhanced victim protection and prevention of re-victimization, for easier access to counsel and even family for detained witnesses and parties; and, in general, for greater time and cost efficiency.”

The use of VCH, which will be further enhanced in the Supreme Court’s (SC) five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI), has resulted in the release of 132,916 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with 2,120 of them children in conflict with the law.

In its meeting with the Philippines’ justice system stakeholders in Davao City last Oct. 24, SC Associate Justice Midas P. Marquez said as of Oct. 13, 2022 there had been 1,139,720 VCHs conducted by the courts nationwide with a success rate of 89.27 per cent.

VCH was pilot tested by the SC in 2019 and utilized during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 so as not to disrupt court operations nationwide. 

Toughness amid unavoidable scandals

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

YES, we have to be tough, with the toughness of charity, amid the unavoidable scandals in the world. Christ already warned us about this. “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,” he said. (Lk 17,1) We should just be prepared for this condition in our life.

While those who cause scandals in others would be severely punished—"It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Lk 17,2)—we should avoid reacting to these unavoidable scandals by falling into a lack of charity.

If we have the charity that Christ commands us to live, we would know how to deal with these eventualities, willing to suffer and be patient while thinking of how we can help those who cause these scandals and those who are victimized by them.

As St. Paul said, true charity “does not rejoice over iniquity, but rejoices in truth. Charity suffers all, believes all, hopes all, endures all.” (1 Cor 13,7) It’s indeed a big challenge to live by that charity, but with God’s grace which we should always ask, we know that we can hack it.

What we should always do is to be most mindful of our words and deeds, because no matter how insignificant they may seem, we may already cause a scandal in others. And we also have to strengthen our defenses against scandals, so that instead of thinking badly, for example, of someone due to what we have seen or heard, we are ready to understand and help.

And scandal need not be in the sexual department only which is already a grave sin. It may only be a matter of gossip of any kind, as long as we cause another person to sin by thinking badly of someone or by leading him to have some critical thoughts, mental reservations, rash judgments, etc.

Of course, we have to distinguish between the temptation of scandal and the sin of scandal itself. Temptation is only temptation and is not yet a sin because we have not yet consented to it, though we may already be attracted to it. The sin of scandal is when we consent to the temptation and, worse, when we enjoy it and spread it around.

What we should always realize is we have a duty, as Christians, to always give good examples to others. Not that we have to flaunt whatever good thing we have or do, doing some kind of virtue signalling, for Christ clearly said also that we should not show off our good deeds before men, to be seen by them, lest we lose our reward in heaven. (cfr. Mt 6,1)

We have to be aware that we always have to give good examples to others for the sole purpose of leading others to God. It is to edify others, to encourage them to be holy and to pursue the path of sanctity in an abiding way.

This duty, therefore, should be carried out deliberately. It should somehow be planned and aimed at. It should not just be something incidental or something optional. Of course, this duty should not be done out of pride or vanity, but out of obedience to the will of God who wants to save all men. (cfr. 1 Tim 2,4)

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Sultan Kudarat bomb blast kills 1, injures 11

By Al Jacinto 

ZAMBOANGA CITY: A powerful bomb explosion ripped through a passenger bus on Sunday, November 6, and killed one civilian and injured at least 11 others in Tacurong City in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat.

The air-conditioned bus, owned and operated by Yellow Bus Line, came from Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province, and was carrying dozens of passengers when the bomb went off.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the midday blast in downtown Tacurong, but previous attacks had been largely blamed on local pro-Islamic State extremist groups.

It was unclear how the bomber was able to sneak the improvised explosive in the bus or what type of device was used in the attack.

In May this year, a bomb also exploded inside a Yellow Bus Line unit in downtown Koronadal City in South Cotabato province and injured at least two persons.

The improvised explosive went off at the engine bay of the bus.

Two drivers of motorcycle taxis tailing the bus were injured in the explosion.

The bus originated from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province.

No group had claimed responsibility for that attack, even after a bomb explosion in April also ripped through another provincial bus owned by Rural Transit of Mindanao in Parang town in Maguindanao province and wounded several passengers.

The attack happened in the village of Making where the bus made a stop at a roadside eatery.

The bus was on its way to Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte from Cotabato City when a powerful explosion was heard.

In January, a bomb also exploded near a fruit stand and a ticket booth in North Cotabato's Tulunan town where a Yellow Bus Line was picking up passengers.

The powerful blast killed a civilian and wounded 7 others.

The blast came a day after pro-Islamic State terrorists detonated a roadside bomb in the town of South Upi in neighboring Maguindanao and killed one civilian.

The military blamed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the bombing.

Maguindanao has been divided into the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

Christmas is bigger and brighter in Makati City

by John Legaspi, MB

Ayala Land is set to bring the Yuletide spirit back into the city with its Festival of Lights and other holiday events and attractions

“I can say that Christmas in Makati will be bigger and brighter.” That’s the promise Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati of Ayala Land, gave during the preview of what’s to come for the holiday season in one of Manila’s busiest cities. The real estate firm is happy to announce that, this year, its Festival of Lights and other holiday events will be enjoyed by the Filipino people live after two years in isolation.

(Seated from left) Ayala Land Estates’ Mel Ignacio, senior estate head of Makati, and Chrissy Roa, head of marketing and communications, with (standing from left) Sueyen Austero, Festival of Lights
2022 lighting designer; Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati; and Ohm David, Festival of Lights
2022 show director

“It is important for us here in Ayala Land to stay connected to the communities that we serve. This is especially true for Makati, which is our flagship estate,” Aguilar says. “Makati is home to several signature events that have become part of the city’s soul. Events that made the city come alive and brought together members of the community and families from all over the country. Christmas gives us an opportunity to do this in an even bigger way.”

And bigger it is. Its festivities will start with the lighting ceremony of the Christmas decorations on Ayala Avenue on Nov. 3. In line with its sustainability goals, the real estate firm is reusing its past ornaments—parols and capiz lights—to adorn Makati Central Business district. According to Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land’s head of marketing and communications, the decorations will be seen in more parts of Ayala Avenue. In addition, a giant parol installation will be erected in the courtyard of Ayala Triangle Gardens, offering family and friends a perfect spot to snap some photos for the holiday season. 

This year, to show that the Christmas spirit is truly alive in Makati, more parts of Ayala Avenue will be decorated with bright festive ornaments to dazzle the Central Business District

Nothing beats an immersive holiday experience. After successfully bringing its Festival of Lights into the digital world, Ayala Land is ready to welcome Filipinos back to witness its grand lights show live this year at the Ayala Triangle Gardens starting Nov. 10. 

Conceptualized by director Ohm David and lighting designer Sueyen Austero, this year’s festival will be a 360-degree experience centering on the theme of “coming together.” Apart from the traditional dancing string lights and magical laser lights, people can also see a gigantic 3D animated video, made in collaboration with Kroma and Acid House. Ayala Land has been producing the Festival of Lights for 14 years, and what makes Festival of Lights 2022 unique is the presence of local indigenous symbols in the show.

“We wanted something to symbolize coming together. So, we gathered many indigenous backgrounds of the Philippines… We have Inabel, Tboli, Mangyan patterns just to keep that sense of tradition, celebration, and something truly Filipino alive,” David says.

“It is not just the light show,” Austero adds. “We are expecting a lot of emotions. Coming from the hiatus caused by the pandemic, some will be emotional seeing these lights live again.” 

The Manila Symphony Orchestra composed an orchestral rendition of the Festival of Lights 2022 medley

Apart from the lights show and 3D animated projections, Christmas in Makati is also set to be filled with good tunes. Three musical medleys with a fresh, new take were composed to accompany the show. The first is an orchestral rendition by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by a TikTok-inspired rendition—a collaboration among composers Tris Suguitan, Jazz Nicolas, and Mikey Amistoso—and finally a chorale rendition by musical composer Jazz Nicolas. The chorale medley features the angelic voices of the Pembo Elementary School children’s choir.

It only gets better in Makati as Christmas day comes closer. From Dec. 2 to 31, Makatizens or not are welcome to experience Ayala Land’s Christmas Market, in partnership with the French Embassy. This holiday fair is inspired by the Marche de Noele Christmas market in Paris, Lille, and Starsboug, and is set to spotlight the best French eats and products as well as Filipino artisanal goods.

Simbang Gabi is one of the prime pillars of Filipino Christmas traditions. To reflect just that, Ayala Land is hosting it at Ayala Triangle Gardens from Dec. 15 to 23, with Philippine Youth Symphonic Band leading the opening of the nine-day series of Masses.

The facade of Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati

Lastly, everyone is welcome to celebrate Christmas in Circuit Makati with Ayala Land’s holiday concerts from Dec. 20 to 22.  The Samsung Performing Arts Theater will be the venue of the Christmas Holiday Concert featuring performances by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Steps Dance Studio, among many others.

Cebu junks Covid test for inbound travelers

by Calvin Cordova, MB

CEBU CITY – Gov. Gwen Garcia issued Executive Order No. 43 on Friday, Nov. 4, eliminating the Covid-19 test requirement for inbound travelers to Cebu. 

EO NO 43

Garcia said fully vaccinated travelers to the province will no longer be required to present any form of Covid-19 test.

But unvaccinated travelers are highly encouraged to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours before departing for Cebu, Garcia said.

Unvaccinated travelers unable to take a Covid-19 test will be tested for free upon arrival at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), she bared.

Result of a rapid antigen test should not be a requirement for Cebu-bound travelers prior to boarding, the governor emphasized.

Vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers shall only be required to present their ticket or passport or other valid identification card upon check-in.

“Any other requirement such as electronic arrival card shall only be presented upon arrival in Cebu,” Garcia said. 

Furthermore, she ordered that the wearing of face masks shall be optional for all travelers bound for Cebu and the MCIA.

The EO took effect on Saturday, Nov. 5, and was issued in light of a resolution that the Inter-Agency Task Force issued last Oct. 4 that eased travel restrictions for inbound travelers to the Philippines.

The edict was also in line with the memorandum that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marocs Jr. issued last Oct. 28 directing concerned agencies to identify other acceptable proofs of vaccination in order to avoid confusion and inconvenience of inbound travelers.

Love is Us: GMA Network drops Christmas Station ID theme

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Kapuso comedians Mikoy Morales, Chariz Solomon, Valeen Montenegro, Boobay, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Analyn Barro, Yasser Marta, Betong, Herlene Budol (Photos by GMANetwork.com)

GMA Network officially launched “Love is Us This Christmas” – a simple yet powerful 2022 Christmas Station ID (CSID) theme – as the true essence of this season is God’s great love for us, and we are the living embodiment of His love.

The much-awaited Kapuso holiday video was first seen last Nov. 6 on All-Out Sundays which showcased the colorful ensemble of Kapuso artists and personalities bannered by Jessica Soho, Dingdong Dantes, Michael V, Heart Evangelista, Dennis Trillo, Alden Richards, Bea Alonzo, and Marian Rivera.

Sparkle actors Ben Alves, Rodjun Cruz, Kim de Leon, Will Ashley, Jak Roberto, Jeric Gonzales, Royce Cabrera, Pancho Magno, Johnvic De Guzman, Kimson Tan

Yasmien Kurdi, Andrea Torres, and Sanya Lopez

“Dalawang taon na tayong nagpa-Pasko nang hindi magkakasama. Ipinagdiwang natin ang pinakamasayang araw ng taon sa kanya-kanya nating mga bahay. 

“Bagamat masaya rin naman ang mga nagdaang Kapaskuhan, iba pa rin ‘yung magkakasama tayo sa paggunita sa araw ng Kanyang kapanganakan.

“Kaya ngayon, babawi kami! Ipadarama namin sa inyo ang aming pagmamahal at pasasalamat dahil miss na miss na namin kayong lahat!

Alden Richards

[It’s been two years of celebrating Christmas apart. We celebrated the happiest day of the year in our respective homes. Although the past holiday seasons were likewise joyful, remembering His birth while being together still hits different. We’ll make up for it this year! We’ll make you feel our love and gratitude because we missed you all so much!],” said the Kapuso celebrities as they open the station ID. 

Bea Alonzo

In the six-minute video, the faces of the Kapuso Network were seen setting up a Christmas party and opening their homes for merrymakers to celebrate the most joyous time of the year with their family, friends, and fans – something that they haven’t done in the past few years during the height of the pandemic. 

Heart Evangelista

Christmas station IDs have become an annual tradition for both GMA and the viewers. It encapsulates the Network’s message of gratitude to the Kapuso viewers’ for making GMA the Philippines’ leading broadcast network reaching millions of Filipinos through its growing list of 95 TV stations located nationwide. As a way of giving back, GMA wholeheartedly gives only the best for its loyal Kapuso in all possible ways.

Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera

Prior to the launch of the full-length 2022 GMA CSID, the Kapuso Network gave viewers and netizens a musical treat when it initially released the lyric video of this year’s newest holiday theme song. “Love is Us this Christmas” was performed by the powerhouse vocals of Kapuso singers led by Julie Anne San Jose, Christian Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Mark Bautista, Maricris Garcia, Garrett Bolden, Jeremiah Tiangco, Anthony Rosaldo, Thea Astley, Mariane Osabel, XOXO, Zephanie, and Vilmark Viray.

Mel Tiangco

The jingle was composed and arranged by Ann Margaret Figueroa with lyrics by Emman Rivera and Jann Fayel Lopez.

Sparkle love teams Abdul Raman and Shayne Sava, Althea Ablan, Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo, Jamir Zabarte and Zonia Mejia

Christmas once again with all our loved ones. And as we slowly go back into how things were, the Kapuso Network urges everyone to selflessly give our hearts just like how He loves us – the highest form of love.

Unang Hirit hosts and radio anchors

Watch GMA Network’s 2022 Christmas station ID #LoveisUsThisChristmas on GMA’s YouTube and Facebook pages or visit www.gmanetwork.com.

CLICK TO WATCH THE GMA NETWORK CHRISTMAS STATION ID THEME FOR 2022: https://www.facebook.com/GMANetwork/videos/1528665390938424

Typical Filipino (XXII) - Typisch Philipinisch (XXII): What does ''Mahal kita'' in Tagalog mean?

Dayang C Marikit

I’m a Philippine history professor and my Quora account is mainly focused on promoting and educating people about the pre-colonial period.

"Mahal kita" means "I love you" in modern times… however this was not the "original" way of saying "I love you" in Filipino... the original way of saying "I love you" is "Sinisinta kita" or "Iniibig kita"… by the way “Kita” is a dual person pronoun meaning "I" and "You" in Filipino… note: "Kita" in Filipino should not be confused with its Indonesian meaning, which translates to "We". In Filipino "Tayo" is the proper transition of "We".

• "Mahal" has now two meanings in Filipino, it originally only meant "Expensive"… (So when you say “Mahal Kita” it basically means that you “treasure” that person because he/she is "precious" to you).
• But the word “Mahal” was also used when speaking to royals/nobles. This indicates that these members of society were of high status “wealthy, precious, and treasured" and in context it translates to "Your Highness".

Examples:

• (“Mahal kong Lakan/Rajah”) - (“Your highness my king”).
• (“Mahal kong Lakambini”) - (“Your highness my queen”).
• (“Mahal kong Pangino’on/Po’on) - (“Your highness my lord”).
• (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) - (“Your highness my lord”).

---

For context, (“Pangino’on”/”Po’on”) directly translates to (“Lord”)… while (“Gino’o”) translates to (“Noble”), so in contexts (“Mahal kong Pangino’on”) and (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) basically mean the same thing.

Philippine History Professor

MA in Philippine History from University of the Philippines. Graduated 2016.

Lives in Quezon City, Philippines

Filipino Values Month worthy of celebration

by Manila Bulletin

It is hard to sell to Filipinos abstract concepts of nationalism, unity, empathy for others, etc. which are native values inherent to our race. Still and all, former President Fidel V. Ramos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 479 on Oct. 25, 1994, declaring the month of November of every year as Filipino Values Month.

In signing this presidential issuance, President Ramos not only enjoined all government agencies and offices to instill in their personnel the correct and upright values that define our national character, but also expressed the hope that future generations of Filipinos will continue planning and living their lives around these values.

Proclamation 479 builds on the gains of the government’s moral recovery program as enunciated by an earlier Presidential Proclamation, No. 62, issued on Sept. 30, 1992. 

Both executive issuances were made in response to the need to strengthen the moral resources of the Filipino rooted in the Filipino culture, values and ideals that are pro-God, pro-people, pro-country and pro-nature.

Through these measures, the government at that time endeavored to mobilize all Filipinos for nation-building through the practical exercise of human values in their daily lives as citizens. The lofty objective was “to awaken us all to the power of these values in achieving our individual and national goals.”

From the time of President Ramos until today under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the government has pushed for the celebration of Filipino Values Month on a regular basis because they recognize that this observance is a desirable and effective measure to create moral awakening and national consciousness on human values that are unique, genuine and positively Filipino.

In its early years of observance, the Filipino Values Month celebration was spearheaded by the Kabisig People’s Movement of former President Corazon Aquino, which later sponsored the government’s Expo and Trade Fairs which showcase the profiles, service facilities, programs and projects of various government agencies. 

Later, the Department of Education and the National Commission for Culture & the Arts (NCCA) became very active in conducting various activities that highlight the nation’s values that support God, people, country and nature.

Through research conducted by the National Economic Development Authority in 2019 and 2020, the NCCA has identified 20 core and shared values which serve as an anchor for every Filipino to our roots and identity as a people.

The Covid-19 pandemic did not dampen the spirit of DepEd’s celebration of the Filipino Values Month, with then Education Secretary Leonor Briones affirming that the observance puts to the fore “each one’s triumph in overcoming the trials that each one may have experienced and create an avenue to rejoice in our very own unique, genuine, and positive Filipino values that play an important role in bringing new hope by becoming considerate and compassionate towards others during this time of the pandemic.”

In good times and bad, and despite our incessant challenges to recover from various adversities both natural and man-made, Filipinos are hardwired to be optimistic and to hold firmly on their survival instinct. We recognize that Filipino values are social constructs within our culture which define that which is socially considered to be desirable, and that this assemblage of advocacies, ideologies, moral codes, ethical practices, etiquette and personal and cultural values will be with us, even further developed and enriched by us, in this generation and beyond.  

Over 200 kids infected with RSV – DoH

DoH Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire. PHOTO BY RYAN BALDEMOR

By Red Mendoza November 6, 2022 

THE Department of Health (DoH) has advised parents and children against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after it was found that more than 200 children have been infected in the country with the disease.

This comes after the United States reported an increase in RSV cases among school-age children in the country, which is heavily affecting their health care systems capacity amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a briefing on Friday, DoH Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the country has a surveillance system for RSV which is maintained by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

She said based on the monitoring of sentinel hospitals from January 1 to August 31, there were 221 cases of RSV cases in children, with no reported fatality from the virus.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV is a "common respiratory virus" that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be transmitted through airborne viral droplets from infected individuals.

Among the symptoms of RSV infection are fever, colds, runny nose, decrease in appetite and coughing, which could lead to breathing difficulties.

RSV does not only infect young children but can also infect older people and can cause severe disease in high-risk individuals such as senior citizens.

A vaccine for RSV is under development by Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, and is now under phase three clinical trials.

Vergeire said that RSV is a "self-limiting" virus, which means that a patient will recover from the disease without any form of medicine.

She urged parents to keep their children healthy and also to follow preventive measures such as getting vaccinated for other respiratory diseases.

"Our elderly are also vulnerable to this disease, so we urge them to take care of themselves," Vergeire added.

What are some ways to show respect in Filipino culture?

Ronna Lou

Philippine-Women.com Dating Coach and Matchmaking Consultant

If I’m not out there doing Cupid’s work, I’m here on Quora answering questions about love, marriage, relationships, and everything in between.

Showing respect to one’s culture starts within oneself and learning the perfect balance between curiosity and appreciation.

If you want to show respect to the Filipino culture, here are some things that could help you out:

Always pay respect to the elders

Don’t make fun of their traditions and beliefs, even though it might seem highly superstitious

And most importantly, just have fun during your stay!

Filipinos are very understanding people. We don’t take much offense when foreigners do some honest mistakes around our culture, as long as it is not necessarily highly insulting or derogatory in any way.

To guide you more about Philippine culture, read on the following article:

Exploring Philippine Culture | Filipino Practices You Should Know About

I trust this will be of great help when you come to visit the Philippines!

You upvoted this