Gatchalian warns Pinoys about new GCash scam ahead of SIM registration

by Ellson Quismorio

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has cautioned Filipinos on a recently discovered GCash scam ahead of the start of SIM card registration on Dec. 27. 

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (Facebook)

Gatchalian cited a fraudulent email apparently coming from GCash Promotions advising recipients that their transactions have been restricted and to reinstate the said feature, recipients have to pre-register by simply clicking a link, a process that could potentially compromise their online security. This has been confirmed by the GCash Team as a scam.

SIM stands for subscriber identity module. It is used on mobile devices such as phones and tablets. 

“Ipinaglaban natin ang pagsasabatas ng SIM registration sa nakalipas na maraming taon dahil gusto nating protektahan ang mga gumagamit ng SIM laban sa panloloko ng cyber criminals (We fought for SIM registration enactment in past years because we want SIM users to be protected from cyber criminals),” Gatchalian said.

“Kailangan nating abisuhan ang ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat nang husto laban sa mga sari-saring pambibiktima ng mga kawatan (We need to warn our countrymen to be careful against these fraudsters’ various schemes),” he added.

GCash is a popular e-wallet maintained by one of the country’s major telecommunications companies. 

Starting Dec. 27 this year, SIM users need to register their SIMs within 180 days or six months, or else have their SIM cards deactivated from their respective service providers.

A co-author of Republic Act (RA) 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, Gatchalian also urged SIM users to register their respective SIMs as soon as possible, emphasizing that doing so would enable authorities to track criminal-minded individuals who take advantage of unsuspecting customers.

Gatchalian also said the law includes provisions that would ensure the protection of customers’ personal information.

“Identity theft is precisely one of the online schemes that we want to prevent relative to the enactment of the SIM registration law. The process for the disclosure of personal information is a rigid one that necessitates a court order,” he emphasized.

Gatchalian said SIM users need to make sure that they register only through a secure platform or website provided by their respective service providers. The process of registration requires the following information including full name, date of birth, gender, address, and valid government ID or similar documents with a photo, while business users must provide their business name, business address, and the full name of an authorized signatory.

Six people killed, over 100K affected by Christmas rains, floods

Gaea Katreena Cabico - Philstar.com

This handout photo taken on December 25, 2022 and received on December 26 from the Philippine Coast Guard shows rescuers evacuating people from a flooded area in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Two

Handout / Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:27 p.m.) — Authorities said six people died and 19 were missing as parts of the country experienced heavy rains and floods during the Christmas weekend.

In a bulletin released Monday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said two individuals in Camarines Sur and four in Misamis Occidental were reported dead. 

Ten people in Bicol region, six in Eastern Visayas, and three in Northern Mindanao were missing. Three individuals were injured.

The shear line—or the point where the cold and warm winds converge—will continue to bring rain showers to Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan that may trigger floods and landslides, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

The rains and floods caused by the shear line have affected 23,762 families or 100,691 individuals. Around 9,216 households or 46,672 people have been staying in evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC said the estimated damage to infrastructure has reached P5.28 million in Bicol region and Northern Mindanao. Forty-eight houses were also damaged in Mimaropa, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.

The cost of agricultural damage in Bicol region was pegged at P52.7 million.

The agency said it has provided assistance worth P2.04 million to the affected residents, deployed search and rescue teams, and activated regional emergency operations centers. 

Die Pandemie ist vorbei!

 

Nach Drosten-Aussage: Buschmann fordert Ende aller Corona-Maßnahmen. Im „Tagesspiegel“ hatte Charité-Virologe und Regierungsberater Christian Drosten (50) die Corona-Pandemie für beendet erklärt. „Wir erleben in diesem Winter die erste endemische Welle mit SARS-CoV-2, nach meiner Einschätzung ist damit die Pandemie vorbei“, so Drosten. Bundesjustizminister Marco Buschmann (45, FDP) reagierte umgehend – und sprach sich für ein Ende aller Corona-Maßnahmen aus. Christian Drosten habe in der Pandemie zu den vorsichtigsten Wissenschaftlern gehört, schrieb Buschmann am Montag auf Twitter. „Nun lautet sein Befund: Die Pandemie ist vorbei. Wir sind im endemischen Zustand.“

THE 8 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS? A LOOK AT THE CHRISTMAS OCTAVE

by Kevin J. Jones

Denver, Colo., Dec 25, 2022 / 08:00 am

The Catholic calendar has several ways to divide the Christmas season. The Church’s Western liturgical tradition sees Christmas as an octave, an eight-day celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The octave of Christmas begins on Christmas itself, the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. It ends on the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Jan. 1, which this season falls on a Sunday in the new year of 2023.

The drama of this time of the Catholic liturgical calendar even includes changes to the liturgical vestments of the clergy.

During these eight days of Christmas, clergy wear white during the Mass.

But there are exceptions when clergy wear red, the symbol of martyrdom: the feast of St. Stephen, Dec. 26, and the feast of the Holy Innocents, Dec. 28.

As the Book of Acts recounts, St. Stephen was a deacon who was the first martyr after the Resurrection of Jesus. He was killed for preaching Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. One of the witnesses of his death was a man named Saul, the future St. Paul.

The Holy Innocents, too, are considered martyrs. They died in place of Jesus when Herod sought to kill all boys under 2 years old.

On Dec. 27 the Church marks the feast of St. John the Apostle, Jesus’ “beloved disciple.” John was a great evangelist and credited with authoring the Gospel of John and three letters of the New Testament. Many credit him with authoring the Book of Revelation.

The feast of the Holy Family continues the story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with the flight into Egypt. It usually falls on the Sunday after Christmas. This year, though, the celebration of the Holy family falls on Friday, Dec. 30. This is because the Sunday after Christmas this year is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

The solemnity of Mary, Mother of God looks to the role of Mary in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. She is the “Theotokos,” literally the God-bearer. She does not simply carry Jesus’ human nature, nor is she a vessel for his divinity alone. Because Jesus’ divine and human natures are united, she is truly the Mother of God.

The Christmas octave is when so many people have time to rest from a busy year and to spend time with family. One fitting way to observe the octave is to attend daily Mass and prayerfully reflect on the Mass readings.

If you have the talent, try your hand at writing an “Eight Days of Christmas” carol!

When does Christmas end? Here are possible answers

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

In this photo taken on Dec. 21, 2022, people take photographs in front of a Christmas-themed house in Manila.

AFP / Jam Sta. Rosa

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is said to have the longest Christmas in the world, which starts in September, and reaches its peak on Christmas Day, December 25. But when does it end?

There are several dates pertaining to the end of the season explained in an article on The Catholic Telegraph. 

One argument said that Christmas is a one-day affair with the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord. 

In another argument, it said that Christmas should be celebrated for eight days. Citing that the Catholic Church regards Christmas as an "octave or eight-day celebration," it begins on the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord and ends on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on January 1. 

In a popular Christmas carol, it sings of 12 days of Christmas, which could be interpreted as the duration of the holiday. 

The article said the Christmas carol has basis as the 12th day of Christmas is the Feast of the Epiphany or the day when the Magi encountered Jesus, Mary and Joseph and gave gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts. 

In another argument, it said that Christmas ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which falls on January 8 next year. 

Another one said that it ends on Candlemas or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which falls on Feb. 2, 2023. Catholics bring candles to Church to be blessed and use these candles to light at home during prayer or when facing difficult situations. Candlemas is celebrated in some parts of the world, including Peru, Puerto Rico, France and Belgium. 

In a CBCP article, it states that the Catholic liturgy "indicates that Christmas is not just one day, but an entire season, lasting from Christmas eve, December 24, after sunset, until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (usually the Sunday after Epiphany)."

Citing Fr. Rolly Arjonillo's Facebook post, the article stressed the importance of Christmas and its real meaning beyong feasting on good food, giving gifts and merrymaking. 

"The Christmas proclamation of the Savior’s birth should pervade every moment of our existence, convinced that God’s immense love for each one of us is ever-ready to do what is necessary to lead us to never-ending happiness and to eternal life. He is with us always and He will never abandon us!” Fr. Arjonillo said. 

Christ the Savior is born, Alleluia!

by Deedee Siytangco

ANGEL THOUGHTS

On the way to Bethlehem, a pregnant Mary atop a horse with a very concerned Joseph guiding the animal to a safe place for her to give birth

Straight from an eye witness to the most important event in the history of the mankind, the birth of Christ, the Savior. Here is apostle Luke’s narrative of  The Birth of Jesus Christ preserved for all generations.

Luke Chapter 2

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while [a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

St. Joseph protectively shields Mother and Babe from the cold with his cape

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

The Holy Babe is born and Joseph and Mary cuddle Him. The farm animals are the first worshipers

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Now its Mary’s turn to rest after the childbirth. She takes a nap as Joseph tries to soothe a restless baby Jesus!

As with all Filipinos, I love the season of Christmas and the central figure of the Great Event. Welcome, Holy Babe in the manger. Thank you for offering Yourself and becoming human to save us! Thank you, St. Joseph, for following the angel’s advice to not be afraid to take Mary as your spouse because she was a virgin overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and would bear a son who would save mankind!

 I’m sharing with you, dear readers, my family’s collection of Christmas scenes over several decades. We can readily see from the faces of Mary and Joseph their overwhelming love for the Holy Babe.

Over a thousand families in Northern Mindanao evacuated due to nonstop rains

Published December 25, 2022, 6:52 PM

by Franck Dick Rosete

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Over a thousand families in the Northern Mindanao region, specifically in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental, were evacuated due to nonstop moderate to heavy rains since Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).

In a situational report from the Office of the Civil Defense Region 10 (OCD-10), the agency reported 705 families composed of 1,935 individuals who were evacuated from 25 barangays in five cities and municipalities in Misamis Oriental. 

The Coast Guard Station Misamis Occidental Deployable Response Group (DRG) deploys its personnel to conduct rescue operations and rendered necessary assistance for the evacuation of the local residents affected by the flood at Barangay Del Paz and Barangay Lupagan, Clarin, Misamis Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao)

The affected areas in the said province include the cities of Gingoog and El Salvador, and the municipalities of Magsaysay, Talisayan, Balingoan, and Balingasag.

About 696 families or 1,863 individuals have remained in the evacuation centers as some of the families already went back to their respective places.

On the other hand, in the province of Misamis Occidental, the OCD-10 has tallied 505 affected and evacuated families, which are equivalent to 2,398 individuals from a total of 16 barangays in the municipalities of Sinacaban and Jimenez.

The OCD-10 is still waiting for the updated report from different local affected government units (LGUs). 

The said number of affected families are still in the evacuation areas based on the report, and the flood from the two municipalities already subsided at around 5 a.m. of Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

It can be recalled that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a heavy rainfall warning signal number 2 due to shearline/wind convergence weather system on December 24, 8 p.m.

Due to the heavy rains, the water system in Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, specifically the transmission pipeline has been reportedly damaged.

On the other hand, the Highway 955 and Cagayan de Oro-Butuan highway in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental has also been affected because of road blockage due to loosen gravel and falling rocks and trees, and overflowing of canal due to non-stop heavy rains.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro has also experienced nonstop light to moderate rains. However, there were no affected nor evacuated families as of the latest, and the water level of the Cagayan de Oro and Iponan river remain normal as confirmed by the City Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRRMD) and Management Department here.

The respective local government units of the affected areas have been currently monitoring the weather condition and advised their respective constituents to take extra precautions.

Let love prevail this Christmas — Marcos

Published December 25, 2022, 5:00 AM

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

“I wish everyone a Christmas full of love, compassion, and hopeful beginnings.”

As Christians worldwide celebrate Christmas, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. hoped that Filipinos would let love, compassion, and hope prevail during this festive celebration despite the obstacles they faced over the past few years. 

Malacañang photo

In his Christmas message, the President said that the celebration of Christmas may have evolved over the years, but love remains the essence of the said holiday.

“The story of Christ’s birth has become an integral part of our culture, and every year, we have become more accustomed to commemorating this day with gatherings, thanksgiving, and merrymaking,” he said.

“No matter the evolution of its observance, it is imperative that we emphasize the true essence of this holiday—love,” he added.

According to Marcos, love is the one that makes Christmas more than just a tradition, not only for Christians but for other beliefs as well.

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“It is this pure and simple love that Christmas represents—the same one that we constantly desire and need—that allows it to be more than just a Christian tradition,” he said.

“Across beliefs, all the generosity and goodwill stirred in this season are welcomed. Surely, embracing these will help us overcome the difficulties brought [on] by the pandemic and other challenges,” he added.

President Marcos hoped that all Filipinos could celebrate Christmas, even in their own little ways.

“Let our spirits not dwell on the adornments that we display, on the buzz and activities we create, nor the lack thereof. Instead, let us partake in this holiday with the same simplicity, sense, and meaning that we got from it,” he said.

“Let us freely offer our smiles, share a conversation, or impart wisdom to our peers, our loved ones, and even strangers. Let our affection be known and felt in the simplest of ways so that the eternal message of the Nativity of Christ may again spark hope for a brighter future in the hearts of all,” he added.

 

GMA Network and Ayala Foundation team up to honor the works of Dr. Jose Rizal

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

The production and creative team of GMA Network’s top-rating and phenomenal series ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ take part in the latest #MagingMagiting advocacy program of Ayala Foundation, Inc. which highlights the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal.

This Dec. 29, Ayala Foundation will premiere on its Facebook page the seventh edition of the Digital Magiting Conference with the theme “Rizal Revealed: Muling Kilalanin ang Magiting na Bayani.” 

Present during the recorded digicon were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Creative Consultant of Maria Clara at Ibarra, Suzette Doctolero; the show’s director, Zig Dulay; and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo who plays the role of Ibarra. 

Rasonable recounts the moment they pitched the exceptional concept of Maria Clara at Ibarra for the first time, “One of the most nerve-wracking processes para sa aming mga producer ay ang mag-present sa top management lalo na kapag ang konsepto ay kakaiba. But I am proud to say that those concepts were the ones greenlighted by our bosses. And we thank our top management because that is the reason why the Entertainment Group has been able to present a really wide range of topics.”

Ching-Sy also shares how they came up with the story of a Gen Z who enters the world of Noli Me Tangere, “At that time we were looking for material that will challenge the drama department in all aspects of production. It was Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes who came up with the idea. Sabi niya, ‘why don’t we do a retelling of Noli and El Fili?’ And then Suzette Doctolero took the challenge and she added the element of Gen Z to resonate with the younger audience.”

Meanwhile, Doctolero highlights the nationalism of Rizal as seen in his works and now in the hit series, Maria Clara at Ibarra, “Ang mga akda ni Rizal ay napaka-relevant pa rin hanggang ngayon. Kung ano ang usapin tungkol sa exploitation ng mga Pilipino noon ay nagaganap pa rin ngayon. Ang Noli Me Tangere ay napakayaman na content para i-adapt sa soap opera. Bilang manunulat, ang ambag namin para sa nation building ay ituro ang ganda ng kultura at kasaysayan natin kasi ang sarap maging Pilipino.”

Dulay also narrates the main factor on why he accepted this groundbreaking project, “Noong sinabihan ako na ire-reimagine ang obrang ito, sobrang saya ko kasi sino lang ba ‘yung nabibigyan ng pagkakataon para makaambag sa bansa gamit ang sining. Super favorite ko ang Noli at El Fili dahil bukod sa great love story nina Maria Clara at Ibarra, itinataas niya rin ang konsepto ng pag-ibig maging sa bayan at sa sarili bilang isang Pilipino. Sa isang henerasyon kung saan usong-uso ang fake news, ang saya sa pakiramdam na magtanghal ng ganitong klase ng teleserye.” 

Trillo, on the other hand, reiterates that their series is a significant way to commemorate the bravery of Rizal,“Magandang pagkakataon ito na ituro sa kanila ang mga likha ni Rizal at malaman ng bawat Pilipino na siya ay isang halimbawa na dapat tularan, lalo sa kanyang adhikain para sa bayan at kabataan. Hindi siya natakot kahit ganito ka-dark ang kwentong isinulat niya kaya’t na-expose ang sitwasyon ng mga Pilipino noong panahon ng pananakop ng mga Kastila.”

Viewers of the digicon are primarily public school teachers. Hence, GMA Network and Ayala Foundation aim to inspire them to see Rizal in a new light and therefore share with their students a newfound enthusiasm for his novels.

“Each and every one of us sa broadcast industry has that responsibility to promote love of country. Tulad sakin na dekada na ang binilang sa pagpo-produce ng programa, nandun ‘yung gusto mong magpatawa, magpaiyak, at magbigay ng impormasyon pero dahil sa ganitong programa na naghihikayat sa kabataan na mahalin ang bansa nila, mare-realize mo na you have so much power to help shape a country,” Rasonable said.

Ching-Sy added that Rizal is an epitome of the greatness and brilliance of Filipinos, “Bilang media practitioner, mae-embody ko ang kagitingan ni Rizal by sharing these stories. I hope kaya nating i-showcase sa buong mundo ang artistic excellence ng mga Pilipino. Kung paano ang directing, acting, design, and cinematography, we have to share to the world how beautiful our stories are.”

Doctolero also points out their biggest goal for Maria Clara at Ibarra, “Gusto naming ma-remind ang audience na kahit naaaliw tayo sa ating pinapanood, importante na kapag nahihiga na sila sa gabi, maiisip nilang ang ganda pa rin talaga ng Pilipinas kahit ano pa ang mga problemang nangyayari kaya dapat lagi nating ipaglaban.”

“Natutuwa ako na nakakatulong ang Maria Clara at Ibarra sa pagbibigay-halaga sa kasaysayan at kultura ng Pilipinas. Sinisikap ko talaga na maging socially-relevant ang mga proyekto ko. Ito ‘yung responsibilidad ko bilang storyteller na dapat bukod sa nakakalibang ay nakakapagtanghal din siya ng kahalagahan,” Dulay mentioned. 

Moreover, Dennis believes that through his craft, he can manifest the patriotism of Rizal, “Pinatunayan ni Rizal ang kagitingan niya sa pamamagitan ng paglaban kung ano ang tama at makatarungan. Malaki ang role namin para ipakita sa kabataan ang ganda ng bansa at mga katangian natin para mas lalo nilang mahalin ang pinagmulan nila.”

Catch Maria Clara at Ibarra,weeknights at 8 p.m. on GMA and at 9:40 p.m. on GTV. 

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.

Mixed oil price adjustments next week

by Myrna M. Velasco

Consumers will experience mixed oil price adjustments at the domestic pumps next week, as diesel will be on rollback, while gasoline and kerosene prices will increase, according to oil companies.

Based on the calculation of the industry players, diesel prices will be reduced by P0.40 to P0.70 per liter, while gasoline products will incur a price hike of P0.45 to P0.75 per liter. 

Kerosene, which is the other essential commodity with weekly price adjustments, will have a price uptick of P0.35 to P0.65 per liter.

Oil companies will implement the price adjustments on Tuesday, Dec. 27, based on cost movements referenced on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS); and this will already be the last one for the year. 

A monitoring report of the Department of Energy (DOE) has shown that prices since the start of the year still posted net increases of P27.50 per liter for diesel; P13.95 per liter for gasoline; and P20.80 per liter for kerosene products.

In the initial trading days last week, market experts noted that international benchmark Brent crude stayed close to $80 per barrel, as there was relatively no new major development that could exert pressure on prices.

However, the pummeling of a winter storm in many parts of the United States triggered fresh round of rally in price pushing international benchmark Brent crude near the $84 per barrel territory as of Friday, December 23) trading. 

The other factor being monitored closely by industry experts would be the enforcement of “money tightening measures” that major economies of the world would be pushing, especially with the lingering threats of economic recession hitting next year.

By 2023, the overall prognosis will be for oil markets to be continuously saddled with tight supply predicaments that will then trigger price escalations at the pumps.

For a heavily import-dependent economy like the Philippines, it will be left with no choice but to grapple with pricing volatility of oil commodities that will be coming into its shores.