„Eine Falschbehauptung“ – Rentenkasse warnt vor Fake-News im Netz

Stand: 23.09.2025

Quelle: picture alliance/dpa/Julian Stratenschulte

Einige Meldungen im Netz behaupten, im Oktober würde die Rente ausbleiben. Das sei falsch, stellt nun die Rentenversicherung klar. Hintergrund ist offenbar die ab Oktober eingeführte EU-Zahlungsrichtlinie PSD3, die Betrügereien erschweren soll.  

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Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung warnt vor Falschmeldungen auf Internetportalen und in sozialen Medien zu angeblich ausbleibenden Rentenzahlungen. Aktuell kursiere die Nachricht, dass ab Oktober Rentenzahlungen ausbleiben würden, weil eine neue EU-Richtlinie für Zahlungsdienste eingeführt werde. „Diese Meldung ist eine Falschbehauptung!“, stellt die Rentenversicherung klar.

Hintergrund sei eine ab Oktober eingeführte EU-Zahlungsrichtlinie PSD3 (Payment Services Directive 3), um Betrügereien zu erschweren. Geldinstitute müssen überprüfen, ob eine IBAN-Kontonummer mit dem Namen des Zahlungsempfängers exakt übereinstimmt.

Allerdings können Unternehmen oder Behörden bei Sammelüberweisungen entscheiden, ob eine IBAN-Namensprüfung vorgenommen werden soll. Rentenempfänger seien von dieser Prüfung nicht betroffen, „denn die Deutsche Rentenversicherung hat im Rahmen des vorgesehenen Opt-Out-Verfahrens entschieden, bei den Rentenzahlungen auf die IBAN-Namensprüfung zu verzichten“, erklärt die Rentenkasse.

Somit würden ab Oktober die Renten wie gewohnt überwiesen, auch wenn es kleinere Abweichungen im Namen geben sollte.

dpa/coh

Rejected cents and sentiments

 

Andrew Domingo

I thought it was just a usual night walking back home from a tiring day at school. While climbing up the stairs in the overpass near our village, I was astounded by a pile of 25-centavo coins in a carton left on the cemented floor. I found it remarkable that even these cents were rejected.

It made me pause for a moment. We often overlook coins like these and leave them behind. We dismiss them as being too small an amount even to keep. But that night, upon seeing them abandoned on the cold cement, I wondered how many other things in life we reject just as easily. How many people, opportunities, or moments do we ignore simply because they seem insignificant?

I lived in Antipolo, Rizal, and studied at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. I didn’t live in a dormitory near the campus, so it was a commuter’s life for me. My travel time from our house to UST usually took about an hour. It was the same traveling back home.

The public transportation in our country is filled with problems and woes. However, amid the difficulties of commuting, many experiences and unexpected scenes still surprise the accustomed commuter. One passenger might complain in the jeepney because his change was insufficient or not given. Sometimes, I even needed to say that I was a student to get the discount, even though I was wearing my uniform.

While inside the train, my thoughts would sometimes be interrupted by a faint (but most of the time strong) smell of fart. I would slightly turn my head and look at the people around me, and witness the faces that reflected how someone just farted, and it was not a pleasant smell.

Filipinos have a talent for maximizing space, not just in the jeepneys but also in the tricycles. Those unaware of the tricycle culture in the Legarda-UST route will be surprised that the tricycles could accommodate a maximum of seven passengers, including the driver, during the peak hours. Even though it was uncomfortable to be squeezed beside other students, it had its advantages. It was also much cheaper this way. When there were only a few passengers for the day, the tricycle drivers would take in only three passengers for P20 each. But the fare would be halved when the tricycle was filled to its maximum. Ten pesos was considerable savings in return for a brief discomfort.Aside from the rides, bizarre moments also came from the walks. One of my favorite places to walk through was the overpasses. In my travels to and from my school, I would walk through three overpasses. What I found interesting in the overpasses were the people who stayed under their cover. Beggars. In my everyday walk through those three overpasses, I have memorized their faces. On some rare days, their group would have a new addition. As my daily routine was to commute, theirs was to beg for money.

It was difficult for me to pass by these beggars. The elderly. The sight of them asking for money broke my heart. It was part of my routine to pass through them, but there was not a single time when I felt no sense of guilt for being unable to somehow alleviate their suffering and plight. I could not always give them spare change because I needed it for my expenses. I could only pass by them with a heavy heart.

When you look at them straight in the eyes, what do you see? I usually see injustice, remorse, and sadness in their gaze. Strangely, there were times when their gaze made me reflect on my person. Sometimes I felt like their eyes were asking me, “What are you doing with your life?” Their eyes reminded me of my indulgence in trivialities and mediocrity.What am I doing with my life? Perhaps it is good to ask ourselves this question from time to time.

Looking back, I realize that those small, quiet encounters: the rejected coins, the tired commuters, and the beggars in the overpasses, were all reminders that life is full of people and things we reject or ignore without realizing how connected we all are. The cents may be small and the faces of the poor easy to overlook, but each has value. Each carries a hidden weight.

In the Steven Spielberg film, “Schindler’s List,” Itzhak Stern gave Oskar Schindler a ring with an inscription from the Hebrew Talmud as gratitude for the Jews he had helped save from death. The inscription says, “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.”

We cannot save everyone, but we can always start by saving ourselves. And perhaps, along the way, we learn to notice the overlooked; the small coins, the weary faces under the overpass, and the questions in a stranger’s eyes.

May we all live meaningful lives, remembering that nothing and no one should ever be too small to matter.

People Power drives delivery of urgent reforms

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Sep 23, 2025 12:05 am

The twin protest rallies held at Luneta and the People Power Monument this past weekend  — and similar mass actions in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro and other urban centers — evoked a compelling reminder. The spirit of People Power lives on;  citizens are seizing the initiative to demand accountability from those who betray the public trust.

Tens of thousands gathered at the Luneta, at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, and other major urban centers, not because of partisan calls, but because of a common sense of outrage. Billions of pesos have been lost to ghost flood control projects, and funds have been siphoned off into private pockets while communities remain defenseless against devastating floods.

These gatherings were not mere displays of anger. At their heart was a demand for swift justice and retribution against those who plundered public funds. In coming together, Filipinos demonstrated that People Power is not confined to a single moment in history but is a continuing tradition of vigilance and resistance against abuse.

The scandal that triggered the protests is a bitter irony. At a time when climate change is intensifying typhoons and rising waters, infrastructure meant to protect lives and livelihoods has been turned into a lucrative racket. ‘Ghost’ or poorly executed projects translate into flooded homes, ruined harvests, displaced families, and even lost lives.

The message from Luneta and EDSA could not be clearer. The wheels of justice must turn, and they must turn fast. Investigations cannot be allowed to languish in congressional hearings, or be mired in bureaucratic technicalities. Every delay in prosecution is a denial of justice.

The rallies also underscore the broader challenge of regaining public trust. Citizens who marched were not only demanding punishment for plunderers but also systemic reform. Transparent procurement processes, digital tracking of public works, and stronger community oversight are no longer optional. These are essential reforms that must be put into place right away. The independent commission on infrastructure created through executive order — or a stronger version legislated with real powers of audit, oversight, and prosecution — should fast-track prosecution to deliver long-delayed justice and appease the public wrath.

The lesson from our Asian neighbors is sobering. In Nepal and Indonesia, public outrage over corruption and failed infrastructure boiled over into violent upheavals. The Philippines need not tread that path. By institutionalizing accountability and marshalling vigilance over public funds, anger may be channeled into reform, not unrest; renewal, not revolt.

The creation of an independent commission on infrastructure — or a stronger version legislated with real powers of audit, oversight, and prosecution — is an imperative social reform. Such a body, insulated from partisan politics and backed by citizen participation, could ensure the integrity of public works and restore faith in the government’s capacity to serve the common good.

The lesson from our neighbors is sobering. In Nepal and Indonesia, public outrage over corruption and failed infrastructure boiled over into violent upheavals. The Philippines need not tread that path. People Power is not only about toppling regimes. It is about establishing systems that make betrayal of trust harder, swifter to detect, and surer to punish. That is how the government is held accountable and how democracy endures.

Winners at the 2025 The Fact Music Awards

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Sep 21, 2025

The 2025 The Fact Music Awards ceremony was held on Sept. 20 in Macau, honoring K-pop artists. 

The awards ceremony, hosted by Korean media outlet The Fact, was attended by many artists from Stray Kids to AHOF. 

Stray Kids won four awards: Honor of the Year, Record of the Year, Artist of the Year and TMA Popularity Award.  

"We recently finished promoting our album, and we will prepare well for our next promotions as well. We would like to thank Stay (fans) for their continued love,” said Stray Kids member Seungmin. 

Girl group Aespa won Muse of the Year, Artist of the Year and Special Jury Award while IVE took home Sound of the Year and Artist of the Year. 

“We are so grateful that MY (fandom name), who is our number one priority, has become our muses. We will work hard to become even cooler artists for our muses," said Aespa. 

IVE (X)

Aespa (X)

Stray Kids (X)

ENHYPEN (X)

The 2025 The Fact Music Awards ceremony was held on Sept. 20 (TMA)

IVE said, "First of all, we would like to thank 'The Fact Music Awards' for making us who we are. IVE will continue to be an IVE who can bring you good music in the future.” 

Happy Fiesta of St. Padre Pio: Patron Saint of Healing

September 23, 2025 marks the annual Feast of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, a day cherished by Catholics worldwide who honor him as the Patron Saint of Healing. Known simply as “Padre Pio,” this humble Capuchin friar remains one of the most beloved saints of the modern era, inspiring millions with his extraordinary faith, humility, and countless miracles.

A Life of Holiness

Born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, Padre Pio entered the Capuchin order at the age of 15. Ordained a priest in 1910, he quickly became known for his deep spirituality and profound devotion to prayer and the sacraments. Padre Pio’s life was marked by a profound union with Christ, expressed most visibly through the stigmata—the wounds of Christ—which he bore for 50 years.

A Witness to Miracles

Padre Pio’s reputation for holiness spread rapidly during his lifetime. Thousands of pilgrims traveled to San Giovanni Rotondo, the small Italian town where he spent most of his priestly ministry, to attend his Masses, receive his counsel in confession, and seek his intercession for healing. Testimonies poured in from those who claimed to have been cured of physical illnesses, freed from spiritual oppression, and brought back to the faith through his prayers.

Even after his death in 1968, miracles attributed to Padre Pio’s intercession continued, paving the way for his canonization by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Today, he remains a powerful intercessor for the sick and suffering, embodying hope and consolation for those in need of God’s healing touch.

Padre Pio’s Legacy of Faith

Padre Pio was known not only for miracles but also for his enduring message: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” These simple yet profound words continue to guide believers, especially those facing illness, hardship, or uncertainty. His example reminds us that healing is not only about physical restoration but also about spiritual renewal and trust in God’s providence.

Celebration of His Feast

Across the world, devotees gather in parishes, shrines, and homes on September 23 to celebrate Padre Pio’s feast. Masses are offered in his honor, novenas are prayed, and processions are held in thanksgiving for the countless graces received through his intercession. For many, this day is not only a commemoration of a great saint but also an invitation to draw closer to God through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of charity.

A Saint for Our Times

In today’s world, filled with suffering, illness, and division, Padre Pio’s life and example shine brightly. His steadfast faith and miraculous ministry remind us that God’s love and healing power remain ever-present. As we greet this day with the joyful cry of “Happy Fiesta, St. Padre Pio!”, we also entrust our lives, families, and communities to his powerful intercession.

St. Padre Pio, Patron Saint of Healing, pray for us!

Credit: Divine Mercy

Airport cyberattack disrupts more flights across Europe

Check-in counters at a terminal at Berlin's Brandenburg airport, in Schönefeld, Germany, Saturday Sept. 20, 2025, after a cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems disrupted air traffic at several major European airports. (Carsten Koall/dpa via AP)

By The Associated Press

Published Sep 22, 2025 10:53 am

BRUSSELS (AP) — Fallout from a cyberattack that disrupted check-in systems at several European airports extended into a second full day on Sunday, as passengers faced dozens of canceled and delayed flights — and the impact poised to worsen for at least one major airport.

Brussels Airport, seemingly the hardest hit, said it asked airlines to cancel nearly 140 departing flights scheduled for Monday because a U.S.-based software system provider “is not yet able to deliver a new secure version of the check-in system.” The airport said 25 outbound flights were canceled on Saturday and 50 on Sunday.

Starting late Friday, airports in Berlin, Brussels and London were hit by disruptions to electronic systems that snarled up check-in and sent airline staffers trying options like handwriting boarding passes or using backup laptops. Many other European airports were unaffected.

The cyberattack affected software of Collins Aerospace, whose systems help passengers check in, print boarding passes and bag tags, and dispatch their luggage. The U.S.-based company on Saturday cited a “cyber-related disruption” to its software at "select” airports in Europe.

It was not immediately clear who might be behind the cyberattack, but experts said it could turn out to be hackers, criminal organizations or state actors.

The European Commission, the executive branch of the 27-nation European Union, said that aviation safety and air traffic control were unaffected. There was currently no indication of a widespread or severe attack, while the origin of the incident remained under investigation, it added.

Half of Monday's flights from Brussels Airport canceled

While departure boards for London's Heathrow and Berlin's Brandenburg airports were showing signs of smoother arrivals and departures on Sunday, Brussels Airport was still facing considerable issues.

Brussels Airport said in an email Sunday that it had asked airlines to cancel half of the 276 scheduled departing flights on Monday, “because Collins Aerospace is not yet able to deliver a new secure version of the check-in system.” Cancellations and delays will continue as long as manual check-in is necessary, it said.

RTX Corp., the parent company of Collins Aerospace, did not immediately respond to two emails Sunday seeking comment.

On Saturday, the aviation and defense technology company said in a statement that it was working to resolve the issue: “The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations.”

Brussels Airport said it nonetheless was able to maintain 85% of scheduled departures over the weekend thanks to the deployment of extra staff by airport partners “and the fact that self bag drop and online check-in are still operational.”

The cyberattack affected only computer systems at check-in desks, not self-service kiosks, airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli said, and teams were turning to alternative backup systems and pulling out laptop computers to help cope with the impact.

The airports advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airports, and using alternative check-in methods.

“Work continues to resolve and recover from Friday’s outage of a Collins Aerospace airline system that impacted check-in,” a Heathrow statement said. “We apologize to those who have faced delays, but by working together with airlines, the vast majority of flights have continued to operate.”

A rolling message Sunday on the Brandenburg Airport's web page said: “Due to a systems outage at a service provider, there are longer waiting times. Please use online check-in, self-service check-in and the fast bag drop service.”

Davao artist Bing Taojo paints the circle of life in blooms

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Caroline "Bing" Galang Taojo’s “Becoming | Unbecoming” was unveiled on Sept. 11, 2025, at a sold-out show at the Galerie Raphael in Davao, a surprise that greeted the painter upon her arrival at the artist’s reception on opening day. “It was overwhelming, like I was showered with flowers by angels,” she confessed.

The 21-piece art exhibit is her third solo mounting following the 2024 Manila show, “Masterpieces in Motion,” where Michael Cinco’s couture gowns served as canvas for her images, and her debut show in 2023, “Essence of Being,” where she was resolved on holding it in Tagum, Davao del Norte, as a tribute to her hometown.

Looking back to her entry into the one-man exhibition art scene, the abstract-impressionist artist shared, “I had to muster enough confidence for a solo show. With the support of mentors, family and friends, I took on the challenge and mounted my first one-woman exhibition, ‘Essence of Being,’ when I turned 60. It was a precious and timely gift I gave myself, without knowing when the second or succeeding shows might come. I am quite blessed to make it to this third solo show.”

Monica Floirendo-Ugarte

Rhoda Magat and Len Neo

Rose Alcantara and Robbie Aguilar

Rochelle del Rosario

Chari Gavino and Chin-chin Talaver

In “Becoming | Unbecoming,” the artist’s flowers are symbolic vessels of time. They signify impermanence, fragility and renewal. They wither and bloom again. They are fragile yet resilient, fleeting yet radiant.

"I wish for the audience to be captivated by the beauty of blossoms in its passing moments, from its onset to its peak and the withering,” said the artist. “Each point in time is precious, fascinating, beautiful.”

Thrilled by the mounting of a third solo exhibition, everyone dear to the artist made the opening night more special. Family, friends, art lovers and collectors from Davao, Tagum, Siargao, Manila and Singapore gathered at Galerie Raphael to witness another milestone by the artist. Formally launching the exhibition with the artist were Jack Teotico, Rossana Tuason-Fores, Ching Cruz and Sylvia Lorenzana.

Katrina Taojo and Joyce Taojo

Arnie Lim and Michelle Escandor

Caprice Ledesma, Arianna del Rosario, Kat Laurel- Tuason, and Denise Taojo-Kaur

Christian Pasumbal, Jennifer Floirendo, Emil Sitjar, Otoy Mercado, and Kenneth Ong

The artist's husband, Butchoy Taojo, and Philip Cruz

Len Bosquit, Tess Cruz, and Aaron Cruz

Gallerist Andy Tuason with Jingy Tuason and Semil Tuason

Harry Morris, Iñigo Taojo, and Andreas Taojo

Never has the gallery seen so many attendees in all its exhibit openings. Not only did “Becoming | Unbecoming” break the opening day attendance record, it may also have been the first time the gallery has hosted an exhibition that sold all its exhibited works before the inaugural ribbon was cut.

“Becoming | Unbecoming” art exhibition by Bing Taojo at Galerie Raphael, Azuela Cove, Davao City runs until Sept. 25, 2025

Arellano escapes JRU in five-set thriller

 

Arellano University quelled a scary uprising by Jose Rizal University for a 25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 16-25, 15-10 escape in Pool B of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.

By Manila Bulletin Sports

The Lady Chiefs responded from a meltdown that erased their two-set advantage with a strong 4-0 start in the deciding frame before holding off the Lady Bombers the rest of the way.

Arellano joined Far Eastern University, which swept JRU on Saturday, on the opening day winner's list of the league, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

Rookie Cassey Florida piled up 19 points from 17 kills and two aces to lead the Lady Chiefs, whose fire diminished after dominating the first two sets before recovering their bearing in the decider.

“Mostly nag-relax kami kasi feel namin madali lang para sa amin. Kasi ‘yung first set and second set medyo relax lang kami dun. Then buti nakabawi,” said Florida.

The Lady Chiefs raced to a four-point advantage, punctuated by back-to-back aces by Ishy Lacsina to open the fifth set.

Arellano answered JRU’s rally to close within one with a 6-1 run for a comfortable 12-6 cushion. The Lady Bombers cut their deficit to 13-10, but Leoranne Santiago fired back with consecutive kills to seal the two-hour, 12-minute encounter.

Yen Sabanal had 12 points while Santiago got nine markers for the Lady Chiefs.

Czarina Ramos paced JRU, winless after two outings, with 19 points while Patricia Del Pilar and Nicole Deala added 15 and 13 markers, respectively.

Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help bounced back from an opening set setback to beat San Sebastian College, 30-32, 25-16, 25-16, 25-18, in Pool D action on Saturday.

Shaila Omipon led two other Lady Altas in double figures with 15 points, 14 coming from kills.

Cyrille Almeniana and Jaz Lagmay added 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for Perpetual.

Lagmay hosted a block party, scoring seven of the Lady Altas’ 13 block points.

Perpetual also took advantage of the Lady Stags’ 31 errors to draw first blood in the group stage of the competition, supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, Summit, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel- Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.

Katherine Santos was the lone bright spot for SSC-R after posting 20 points, 11 in the extended opening frame.

In the second game, University of the Philippines pulled off a gritty 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13, come-from-behind win over University of Santo Tomas.

The Fighting Maroons uncorked a closing 8-0 barrage in the deciding set to erase a six-point deficit and walk away with a huge victory in Pool C.

Casiey Dongallo finished with 20 points built from 18 kills, one ace and a kill block to power the National Invitationals Davao Leg runner-up. She added seven digs and five excellent receptions for an all-around performance for UP.

Veteran Nina Ytang scored 15 points off 10 attacks and five kill blocks while Kianne Olango, Bien Bansil and Jelai Gajero added nine markers each for the Fabio Menta-mentored Fighting Maroons.

UP clawed its way out of a deep, 13-7, hole in the fifth set by taking advantage of a costly service error by UST winger Margaret Altea.

Family Week observance: 'Kainang Pamilya' vital

 By Manila Bulletin

Published Sep 22, 2025 12:05 am

 

Today the Filipino nation begins the observance of Family Week. Malacañang has shortened the work hours in state offices and departments today to allow government employees to participate in the annual observance of the 33rd Family Week and the Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day.

In accordance with the mandate of the 1987 Constitution which “declares that the State shall recognize the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as the basic social unit,” Presidential Proclamation No. 60 was issued in 1992.

In 2012, this was amended by Proclamation No. 326 which affirmed the importance of “the common family meal where all members of the family are present to signify their unity and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings.” Moreover, it emphasized that “having a common family meal encourages parents to stay connected with their children and understand the challenges they face.” Hence, it recognized the “need to highlight and celebrate the value of families sharing meals together as a national tradition that should be observed annually and sustained by all Filipino families.”

Indeed, this is not a mere cultural affirmation; it is a policy imperative. When families thrive, communities prosper. When they are fractured or broken, society bears the cost.

The simple act of eating together as a family takes on urgent meaning in today’s Philippines. Rising food prices have strained household budgets, forcing many families to reduce meals or substitute cheaper but less nutritious fare. Millions of children face hunger or malnutrition, undermining their physical and cognitive development. Add to this the long working hours, worsening traffic, and relentless pull of digital devices and it becomes apparent that the family meal is increasingly at the risk of extinction.

Public policy must be strengthened comprehensively to produce long-lasting effects. First, government must further strengthen food security and nutrition programs. Initiatives, such as the expanded school-used feeding program, rice subsidy, and targeted cash transfers must be sustained and expanded so that these may reach the most vulnerable families that belong to the bottom of the pyramid.

Second, workplaces should be encouraged to adopt family-friendly policies. Beyond the specific observance this week, employers can set aside once-a-week family meal hours, allowing workers to leave work early enough to share dinner at home. This may be achieved through flexible work arrangements and similar programs that promote enhance work-life balance.

Third, schools and local governments must integrate the spirit of Family Week into the fabric of community life. Concrete measures could include promoting device-free meals, motivating students to initiate family meals, or holding barangay-level Family Day gatherings.

Digital platforms and telecoms companies can push content for entertainment and conduct nationwide campaigns urging Filipino families to “disconnect to reconnect” during mealtime and get-together opportunities.

Ultimately, Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga is not about a nostalgic return to old traditions but a pragmatic response to several challenges that cut across health, education and social development.

As we mark Family Week, let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthen Filipino families. A nation that ensures families can eat together strengthens the moorings of a well-nourished and resilient citizenry.