Jesus of Nazareth demanded child abusers to be held accountable

 

By Fr. Shay Cullen, Founder since 1974 The news in the Philippines these days is focused on impeachment, changing the Constitution, and other mundane political matters. The public, Congress and government agencies are far from addressing the needs of children who are sexually and physically abused by relatives, human traffickers and online predators, and the seeming social acceptance that allows the abuse to happen. The country’s justice system needs reform, and while many judges are working hard to deliver justice to child abuse victims, many others are not. Some have overloaded court schedules, causing a number of child-abuse cases to languish up to two to three years in some family courts. Such manufactured delays prolong the suffering of the child victims. In a letter to the Preda Foundation in October 2023, Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva said that out of 183 statutory family courts, only 106 are organized. They are clogged with many important cases. Child sexual abuse cases are about traumatized children, and they need special and immediate attention and speedy justice. As they say, justice delayed is justice denied. Special children’s courts need to be established by law, with highly trained prosecutors and judges to bring justice and healing to the abused children. The convictions of their rapists would be a strong deterrence to would-be child abusers. During a visit some years ago, Mama Fatima Singhateh, the United Nations’ special rapporteur for online child abuse and trafficking, said the Philippines should pass a law setting up a special children’s court. This is needed to hear and quickly resolve child abuse cases. It is hoped that children’s rights advocates in the Senate would work on this proposed legislation. Meanwhile, telecommunications corporations and internet service providers (ISPs) must be held responsible for the uncontrolled transmission of images of sexual abuse of children beamed from the Philippines to pedophiles overseas. A corporate policy to deploy effective artificial intelligence-driven software is absent. Those allowing child abuse to happen are as guilty as those committing it. The UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) has said as many as 2 million Filipino children have reported being sexually harassed and abused online. Due to stigma and fear of scoldings, most children do not report such abuse. With cheap mobile phones and low-cost internet access, the number of victims is likely to double or triple the known figure. Every child is vulnerable. The figures for child sexual abuse victims globally are sobering: one in three girls, one in every five boys. Consider how people abuse their own offspring. What is seriously wrong with the human race? Humans are supposedly the world’s most intelligent creatures, with large brains. Most, apparently, have very low moral values. We are a damaged species, indeed, waging brutal, senseless wars against ourselves, driven by greed and ambition, with millions of people killed and wounded. Pedophiles and child abusers are waging war against children by raping and abusing them. Generally unknown, ignored The great values taught by Jesus of Nazareth to respect, protect and care for children are generally unknown, and his call to bring abusers to justice is also generally ignored. This is the great failure of the institutional Church. With exceptions, it mainly counts success on the number of baptized members, and most of its clerics are isolated and removed from the suffering of people, particularly victims of human rights violations. Most of the clergy repeatedly perform rituals and give irrelevant theological speeches. As an institution, the Church has lost its main purpose to transform society by motivating people to actively do good and oppose every evil with the conviction that they will win. This is faith, aimed at creating a society where equality, justice, truth, freedom, and human rights and dignity are experienced daily. Many clerics have abused and are abusing children themselves with impunity and are protected by silence and inaction. This has disgraced the institution with regard to child protection. Only by the courage of some of its true leaders and dedicated members of the People of God does the light of truth and action for justice for children continue to burn brightly. A recent Unicef-Interpol report said 90 percent of the online grooming for sexual abuse of children occurred on Facebook. However, it is still clear that the majority of child sexual abuse acts are done by family members. Child defenders and nongovernmental organizations are campaigning and educating students, parents and teachers to report abuse and help child abuse victims get justice. What people can do is to oppose the seeming social acceptance of and apathy over child sexual abuse by institutions and the wider public. About 40 percent of mothers of the 62 sexually abused children in Preda’s therapy home have chosen to protect their rapist husband or partner rather than standing with their children to demand justice. This is devastating emotionally for the children. When judges postpone hearings, the children’s suffering increases. Church authorities must act against the abusers in their ranks and end impunity. The Church must become a beacon of child rights by cooperating with truly independent children’s rights’ organizations to pursue justice for the victims. They should end the obstruction of legal action and allow offenders to be brought to justice in the civil courts. The Church’s internal safeguarding program should bring those clerics to justice in those same courts. Only when a strong movement of people realizing the extent of child sexual abuse and demanding action by all authorities would there be hope to reduce it. If not, the abuse will continue to grow.

Experte räumt mit gängigem Renten-Irrtum auf – „Zwangsgelder“ vom Finanzamt drohen

Stand:19.08.2025, 18:17 Uhr

Von: Sandra Sporer 

Dass die Rente steuerfrei ist, ist ein Mythos. Selbst Rentner, die bisher keine Steuererklärung abgeben mussten, können schnell in die Steuerpflicht rutschen.

München – Wer vor dem Jahr 2005 in Rente gegangen ist, hat Glück: Er muss keine Steuern auf seine Renteneinkünfte zahlen. Für alle Rentner, die seitdem ihren Ruhestand angetreten haben, sieht die Sache jedoch anders aus. Ihre Renten unterliegen der sogenannten nachgelagerten Besteuerung und müssen zum Teil versteuert werden, wie die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) erklärt. Rund 40 Prozent aller Rentenempfänger müssen heute bereits Einkommensteuer zahlen – Tendenz steigend.  

Auch viele Rentner müssen eine Steuererklärung abgegeben. © Zoonar/Imago

Die DRV übermittelt alle relevanten Daten automatisch an das Finanzamt. Sprich: der Fiskus weiß genau, welche Rentner steuerpflichtig sind. Viele Rentner hingegen sind sich nicht bewusst, dass auch sie zur Abgabe einer Steuererklärung verpflichtet sein können. Geschieht dies dann nicht, drohen „Zwangsgelder und Verspätungszuschläge“, warnt Rudolf Gramlich, Steuerexperte vom Lohnsteuerhilfeverein Steuerring, in einem Interview des Sozialverbands VdK. „Außerdem kann das Finanzamt die Besteuerungsgrundlagen schätzen. Dies wirkt sich in den meisten Fällen nachteilig aus.“   

Steuerpflicht für Rentner ist von einem Faktor abhängig

Ob ein Rentner eine Steuererklärung abgeben muss, hängt dabei von der Höhe des Einkommens ab. Liegt dieses unterhalb des Grundfreibetrags, besteht keine Pflicht zur Abgabe einer Steuererklärung. Liegt es darüber, muss sie eingereicht werden. Laut dem Bundesfinanzministerium liegt der Freibetrag 2025 bei 12.096 Euro für Alleinstehende und 24.192 Euro für Ehepaare.

Allerdings ist nicht die gesamte Bruttorente steuerpflichtig. Der steuerpflichtige Anteil richtet sich nach dem Jahr des Rentenbeginns. Wer 2025 in Rente geht, muss 83,5 Prozent seiner Rente versteuern – der Rest bleibt als individueller Rentenfreibetrag steuerfrei. Er ist für die gesamte Rentenlaufzeit festgeschrieben. Wer indes zur Einführung der nachgelagerten Besteuerung seine Rente antrat, muss nur 50 Prozent der Bruttorente versteuern. Der Prozentsatz wird seitdem jährlich angehoben. Ab 2040 werden Renten dann zu 100 Prozent besteuert.  

Zehn Steuer-Tricks: So sparen Sie bares Geld bei der Steuererklärung

Fotostrecke ansehen

Steuererklärung als Rentner: Abgabe kann sich durchaus lohnen

Ein weiterer Fallstrick für viele Senioren sind Rentenerhöhungen. Allein durch die diesjährige Rentenerhöhung wurden zehntausende Rentner erstmals steuerpflichtig. Allerdings kann sich die Abgabe einer Steuererklärung für Senioren durchaus lohnen. So können dort beispielsweise verschiedene Pauschalbeträge geltend gemacht werden. Zusätzlich sind Vorsorgeaufwendungen wie Kranken- und Pflegeversicherungsbeiträge absetzbar.   

Die Rentenbesteuerung wird in den kommenden Jahren immer mehr Senioren betreffen. Rentner sollten ihre Steuerpflicht deshalb regelmäßig prüfen und bei Unsicherheiten professionelle Hilfe in Anspruch nehmen. Geht es nach Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU), sollen Senioren jedoch schon ab 2026 von der Pflicht zur Abgabe einer Steuererklärung befreit werden. Stattdessen soll es eine pauschale Rentenabzugsteuer geben. (sp)

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A MISTAKEN BELIEF

 

A mistaken belief is a conviction or idea that is false or based on faulty reasoning. It can stem from misunderstandings, lack of information, or cognitive biases. Mistaken beliefs can have a significant impact on behavior and decision-making, potentially leading to errors in judgment and actions. 

 

A mistaken belief accompanies each and every one of us daily. Incorrect decisions and wrong doings are part of our daily life.

It is almost a ridiculous fact that man wants to know certain truths about mundane things. But really he seems least interested in even mundane truths as can be read many times in newspapers for example. There seem to be too many rash judgments, and the readers absorb these and make them their own. A fatal attraction!

This is sometimes referred to as journalistic mentality wherein accusations are generously made without proof. Evolution started this trend, when scientists stated for example that man evolved from the apes, without proof. The only proof they had was the missing link, and if I am not mistaken, it's still a missing proof until now.

To look for proofs is a mental activity, which is no longer a common thing nowadays, because it takes really time, effort and is too serious to think about. Yet, in Christian education, thinking right is very important.That's why Philosophy is important in Christian life. To avoid error in thinking, the rules of right reasoning must be studied and mastered. Is it really totally neglected in today's modern education?

Thinking is actually an enjoyable activity but when one is pressured to get a good job for one's sustenance, then the other more mundane becomes attractive. After all, great thinkers often do not get (good?) jobs... .

Spiritual writers like the British Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) noticed that mankind had stopped thinking even two centuries ago. That was during his age. Man probably stopped thinking even earlier. He has ceased many times to search for the truth. It's easier to listen to gossip and believe in it. What a sign of weak minds!

Too often are we blind to the truth and as a consequence we easily believe in lies we only have to like it. Too bad, if people always like to close their eyes and ears especially while experiencing the delusion of error.

 

PhilHealth members to get up to P20K free medicines yearly

Starting August 21, members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) may avail up to P20,000 worth of outpatient medicines annually under the enhanced Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (PhilHealth GAMOT), the state-run insurer announced Monday, August 18. Read more

Laut einem Arzt gibt es ein „perfektes Lebensmittel“, das die Leber schützt und das Gehirn unterstützt

 Stand:

18.08.2025, 15:30 Uhr

Von: Pauline Wyderka  

Es soll ein Lebensmittel geben, das sowohl das Gehirn als auch die Leber unterstützen kann. Lesen Sie hier, wie ein Arzt darauf kommt, es das „perfekte Lebensmittel“ zu nennen?

Mehr zum Thema

Ärzte nennen es „das perfekte Lebensmittel“: Es steigert die kognitiven Funktionen und schützt die Leber . 

Kann es so etwas wie das „perfekte Lebensmittel“ für die gesunde Ernährung überhaupt geben? Laut Arzt und Fernseh-Moderator Jimmy Mohamed allemal! Verantwortlich dafür ist die beeindruckende Nährstoffdichte, die sowohl die kognitiven Funktionen als auch die Lebergesundheit unterstützen kann. Es handelt sich dabei um ein Lebensmittel, das viele täglich konsumieren.

HEIDELBERG24 verrät, welches alltägliche Lebensmittel perfekt ist, um die kognitive Leistung zu erhöhen und dabei die Leber schützt.

Darüber hinaus spielen auch die Kosten eine Rolle für die Wahl. Das Lebensmittel ist nämlich in der Regel recht günstig zu haben. (p)

ALONE?

 

Studies show the ability to tolerate alone time has been linked to increased happiness, better life satisfaction, and improved stress management. People who enjoy alone time experience less depression.

Short-term tips to get you started to avoid comparing yourself to others are easy to be said: 

Take a step back from social media. …
Take a phone break. …
Carve out time to let your mind wander. …
Take yourself on a date. …
Get physical. …
Spend time with nature. …
Lean into the perks of being alone.

I can be a reluctant socializer. I’m sometimes secretly pleased when social plans are called off. I get restless a few hours into a hangout. Maybe, I’ll not be invited any more. Or not so often… . I even once went on a free 10-day silent meditation retreat – not for the meditation, but for the silence.

So I can relate to author Anneli Rufus, who recounted in Party of One: The Loners’ Manifesto: “When parents on TV shows punished their kids by ordering them to go to their rooms, I was confused. I loved my room. Being there behind a locked door was a treat. To me a punishment was being ordered to play Yahtzee with my cousin Louis.”
Several years ago in one of my write-ups, I wrote about loneliness or in other words splendid isolation.

Asocial tendencies like these are often far from ideal. Abundant research shows the harms of social isolation, considered a serious public health problem in countries that have rapidly ageing populations (though talk of a ‘loneliness epidemic’ may be overblown). In the UK, the Royal College of General Practitioners says that loneliness has the same risk level for premature death as diabetes. Strong social connections are important for cognitive functioning, motor function and a smoothly running immune system.

This is especially clear from cases of extreme social isolation. Examples of people kept in captivity, children kept isolated in abusive orphanages, and prisoners kept in solitary confinement all show how prolonged solitude can lead to hallucinations and other forms of mental instability.

But these are severe and involuntary cases of loneliness. For those of us who just prefer plenty of alone time, emerging research suggests some good news: there are upsides to being reclusive – for both our work lives and our emotional well-being.
Social anxiety is the single most common psychological problem according to innumerable survey results worldwide. The magnificent, gorgeous and excellent isolation, resulting from being nervous when meeting people is really the opposite. The state of being isolated reminds me of being in a hospital with an infectious disease.

Does the project of giving a speech or going to a social gathering give you the willies?
Relax, there are always ways and solutions to help you but teaching you “never to be nervous again”. 

I have always been the most silent pupil in elementary and high school. I was ashamed even to talk to or with my teachers. Several terrible school records have been the result. But, I wanted to become a journalist. I am still one.

During college times and while writing my first articles, I learned from my first boss, a daily news publisher, to avoid being nervous while meeting people. I was always prepared. Preparation for any communicating situation is a must. I have been invited to many parties and gatherings. I always asked for the guest list. I scanned all the newspapers and browsed the net. 

One key benefit is improved creativity. Gregory Feist, who focuses on the psychology of creativity at California’s San Jose State University, has defined creativity as thinking or activity with two key elements: originality and usefulness. He has found that personality traits commonly associated with creativity are openness (receptiveness to new thoughts and experiences), self-efficacy (confidence), and autonomy (independence) – which may include “a lack of concern for social norms” and “a preference for being alone”. In fact, Feist’s research on both artists and scientists shows that one of the most prominent features of creative folks is their lesser interest in socializing.

One reason for this is that such people are likely to spend sustained time alone working on their craft. Plus, Feist says, many artists “are trying to make sense of their internal world and a lot of internal personal experiences that they’re trying to give expression to and meaning to through their art.” Solitude allows for the reflection and observation necessary for that creative process.

A recent vindication of these ideas came from University at Buffalo psychologist Julie Bowker, who researches social withdrawal. Social withdrawal usually is categorized into three types: shyness caused by fear or anxiety; avoidance, from a dislike of socializing; and insociability, from a preference for solitude.

There is gender and cultural variation, of course. For instance, some research suggests that unsociable children in China have more interpersonal and academic problems than unsociable kids in the West. Bowker says that these differences are narrowing as the world becomes more globalized.

Still, it turns out that solitude is important for more than creativity. Since ancient times, meanwhile, people have been aware of a link between isolation and mental focus. After all, cultures with traditions of religious hermits believe that solitude is important for enlightenment.

Recent research has given us a better understanding of why. One benefit of unsociability is the brain’s state of active mental rest, which goes hand-in-hand with the stillness of being alone. When another person is present, your brain can’t help but pay some attention. This can be a positive distraction. But it’s still a distraction.
Daydreaming in the absence of such distractions activates the brain’s default-mode network. Among other functions, this network helps to consolidate memory and understand others’ emotions. Giving free rein to a wandering mind not only helps with focus in the long term but strengthens your sense of both yourself and others. Paradoxically, therefore, periods of solitude actually help when it comes time to socialize once more. And the occasional absence of focus ultimately helps concentration in the long run.

I learned, if your personality tends toward insociability, you shouldn’t feel the need to change. Of course, that comes with caveats. But as long as you have regular social contact, you are choosing solitude rather than being forced into it, you have at least a few good friends and your solitude is good for your well-being or productivity, there’s no point agonizing over how to fit a square personality into a round hole.

So feel free to de-clutter your social calendar. It’s psychologist-approved.

COA orders audit of flood control projects

DOE pushes for waste reduction to curb flooding

The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered an investigation into the flood control projects in Bulacan on allegations of fraud and other irregularities. After the rollout of the Sumbong sa Pangulo website dedicated for the probe and assessment of flood-control projects in the country, Malacanang said that they have received 1,148 reports and 823 feedback on the said website. Read more

Meanwhile, as Metro Manila grapples with persistent flooding during the rainy season, the Department of Energy (DOE) is renewing its focus on waste-to-energy (WTE) as a potential solution to both reduce waste and contribute to the country’s energy supply.

Artist mounts exhibit in Davao City

 

RENOWNED artist Anthony Fermin unveiled his latest exhibit – Anthony Fermin: An Exposition with the Masters – on Friday afternoon, Aug. 15, at The Atrium of SM Lanang in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)

By Ivy Tejano

Published Aug 16, 2025 03:51 pm

The highly anticipated showcase, which opened at 4:30 p.m., brings together the works of Philippine masters alongside Fermin’s own deeply personal and faith-inspired pieces.

Fermin said that his family is the central inspiration in his newest collection. He said most of his paintings have children, a message for all parents to have time with their children.

“The central inspiration of my exhibit is my family. I remember my kids in my paintings because most of the time I’m away with them because of my job,” Fermin said.

Fermin, who has been in the industry for over 30 years, said that his art carries personal meaning and a spiritual message.

“I dedicate this event to the Almighty. He is the star of this show,” he said. “My journey is not easy. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop. Despite the challenges, we have to pursue life.”

Fermin’s works embody transformation, resilience, and optimism.

Inspired by prayer and gratitude, Fermin’s paintings highlight themes of renewal and portrays struggles replaced with joy and negativity erased to make way for hope.

Fermin said his graffiti-like concepts depict figures symbolically removing life’s burdens, rendered in vibrant colors and expressive strokes that celebrate the Filipino spirit.

Fermin said the exhibit from Aug. 15 to 18 presents original masterpieces by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, Angelito Antonio, Romeo Tabuena, Gus Albor, Isidro Ancheta, Juvenal Sanso, H.R. Ocampo, and Vicente Manansala.

He thanked SM Lanang, people behind the exhibit, and special guest Nancy dela Rosa, wife of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.

“We chose Davao because Davao City is special to me,” Fermin added. “It’s a privilege to exhibit my paintings with these masters, and I thanked SM for providing an opportunity like this to artists like me.”

Claudia Valentina launches bold new single 'Candy'

By MBrand

Claudia at The Great Escape Festival. (Courtesy of Gay Times)

British-born singer-songwriter Claudia Valentina makes a powerful return to the global music scene with the release of her new single Candy. At just 24 years old, she brings a fresh and dynamic sound that blends pop, R&B, and electronic influences into an energetic anthem celebrating confidence, individuality, and empowerment.

Claudia’s journey to this moment has been shaped by determination and creativity. Raised on the quiet island of Guernsey, she immersed herself in ballet and drama from a young age. By 10, she had already landed a role in Billy Elliot the Musical in London. Later, she moved with her mother to Los Angeles, chasing the Hollywood dream. Years of auditions, rejections, and studio work forged the resilient and self-assured artist she is today, as noted by The Face magazine.

Before stepping into the spotlight with her music, Claudia made waves behind the scenes as a songwriter. She co-wrote tracks for global superstars, including BLACKPINK’s Jump and Jennie’s Mantra. Working with renowned producers such as Johan Carlsson, Lostboy, and Tom Mann, Claudia developed a sound that combines infectious pop hooks with raw emotional honesty. 

Why 'Candy' stands out

Candy is more than a catchy pop track; it represents Claudia’s bold artistic vision and fearless self-expression. The song features polished production, rich harmonies, and her confident vocals, delivering themes of empowerment, identity, and independence. Claudia describes her music as something people can both feel intimately and experience cinematically, aiming to create songs that are “music that people make babies to” (MYP Magazine).(MYP Magazine).

A Visual Spectacle

The official Candy music video is a vivid expression of Claudia’s creative vision. Blending vintage Americana style with a modern edge, she leads an all-female cast through striking choreography and cinematic scenes. Full Access Magazine highlights that this concept was six years in the making, reflecting Claudia’s commitment to meticulous storytelling.

Claudia Valentina for Extra Agenda. (Courtesy of Dork)

Rooted in authenticity

Influenced by her travels between Guernsey, London, and Los Angeles, Claudia’s style is a unique blend of diverse inspirations. Growing up without a local music scene, she sought creativity from the world around her, crafting a sound that mirrors her international experiences.

“I’ve spent a big part of my life hunting the right setup with my team, and I’m lucky to call them my best friends as well,” she shares with MYP Magazine.

Her image combines “Chanel” glamour with “Supergirl” boss energy, a deliberate choice reflecting her desire to make every project as grand as possible. This philosophy shines through in both Candy’s sound and visuals, according to The Face.

Poised for global success

With catchy hooks and relatable themes, Candy is set to resonate with audiences worldwide. Claudia’s successful songwriting background in both Western pop and K-pop markets positions her uniquely for crossover appeal. Her bold aesthetic ensures she stands out in today’s crowded music landscape.

Looking ahead

Candy is now streaming on Spotify and available on YouTube, marking the beginning of Claudia's new chapter. She promises more singles, collaborations, and visually ambitious projects in the coming months as she climbs tow

THAT TELLS ME ALL...

... I need to know! Know-it-all-better, who prefer an oppressing or suppressing crab mentality should be really out of place. They poison us and our dignity and our feelings of our own worth. Unfortunately, we can find these people at any corner.

I stayed in many places worldwide - places with people belonging to different kinds of religion. I really don't care which belief people are in. Most importantly, they believe in God and they live a Christian life. I am always very happy when I find churches or prayer places - always open and filled up with praying people.

I am always very happy, when I meet hopeful and promising Christians: priests, pastors, lay people, friends, family members, who know how to share and inspire, and also know how to be patient while starting with a -maybe - "new beginning".

I am also very happy, because I still observe infinite and endless good things every day coming into my life. Slowly but surely, I started to pay attention to such things. I observe several people, who don't! I really try to do preliminary exercises for instance, for amazing things or just for a simple gratitude. With these attitudes I'll be winning each battle a thousand times against those people who live believing that God's creation goes to the dogs and kicks the bucket.

I am really happy if I meet people who understand the real meaning of responsibility. Responsibility to a child, to the family, to a company and its employees, to a public service, an association or a registered society, or anything that supports, sponsors and promotes my surroundings without being egoistic, indifferent or listless. "I don't give a damn!" 

I am always happy to notice people around me, who mean and act "YES" if they say "YES"!

I am always happy to notice something that is taken for granted: parents have time for their children and patience with the youth (really a difficult task sometimes!); someone who takes time to visit a sick neighbor or friend; someone who asks the address of a possible lonely fellow...

Every time period is in God's hands. Let's fulfill these periods and let's also allow our loved-ones at our side to live the same way. Know-it-all-betters, who prefer an oppressing or suppressing crab mentality should be really out of place. Unfortunately we can find such people at any corner. And, we must know how to deal with them.