But because times have changed and most of the senators today don’t have the moral scruples and are grossly incompetents, what has transpired, so far, were political theatrics and moldy exhibitionism instead of formal and uninterrupted impeachment proceedings.

Decency and delicadeza are dead in today’s Philippine senate. Dignified and substantive debates have been replaced by mediocrity, opportunism, and hooliganism.
Many Filipinos responsible for electing these good-for-nothing politicians are ashamed that they have these imprudent national leaders.
 
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What is happening in our beloved Los Angeles or L.A., the City of Angels, in California has saddened us Filipinos living in the East Coast.

As of this writing, unrest was entering on the fifth night as curfew took effect in Downtown L.A.

We can’t believe that the situation has “necessitated” the use of extreme force when the White House approved the sending of National Guards to deal with a not-so-violent tension that escalated in protest of the ICE raids and arrests of “illegal immigrants.”

Analyst Aaron Blake thinks “President Donald Trump is nothing if not skilled at crafting alternate realities and using them to benefit himself politically. But his messaging around the Los Angeles protests has taken it to another level.”

He pointed out, “You could be forgiven for thinking Trump wants to create the illusion of a federal crackdown on protesters without everything that comes with the real deal. That’s not to say Trump is bluffing about a hands-on response — but there’s also value in creating perceptions.”

Trump’s decisions to send in the National Guard and mobilize the Marines are controversial for a whole host of reasons, Blake observed.
 
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But for now, he stressed, the guard and the Marines aren’t actually allowed to conduct law enforcement. The guard has had little engagement with protestors.

He further explained: “Trump invokes the Insurrection Act, the guard is restricted to protecting federal property and personnel. That translates to mostly guarding an immigration detention center and possibly assisting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that set off the protests. The Marines have done even less so far – the commandant, Gen. Eric Smith, said Tuesday that the Marines, while mobilized, haven’t yet been called in to respond.”

As CNN’s Josh Campbell reports, the bulk of the 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines that have been mobilized actually remain out of public view and likely won’t even be seen publicly. And CNN’s Haley Britzky and Natasha Bertrand reported Tuesday that the Marines have not received official tasks or orders yet and many are undergoing additional training before they potentially assist with the protests, citing US officials.

But to hear Trump tell it, his decision to call in the troops has made all the difference in putting down violent demonstrations.

“We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California,” Trump said Tuesday in a social media post. “If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”

He added later: “If I didn’t ‘SEND IN THE TROOPS’ to Los Angeles the last three nights, that once beautiful and great City would be burning to the ground right now.”
 
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Trump’s comments gloss over the fact that the protests and violence are actually confined to a small portion of Los Angeles, with the vast majority of the city and Los Angeles County going about its regular business.

But they also imply a much bigger role for the troops than we’ve actually seen.

Trump made similar comments at a White House event later in the day.

He said “we ended” the violence, and: “Los Angeles was under siege until we got there. The police were unable to handle it.”

“Last night, they had total control,” Trump said. “If we didn’t have the military in there, the National Guard – and then we also sent in some Marines,” he added before trailing off.

Trump made similar comments on Monday (June , saying the guard had arrived “just in time.”

Talking about possibly sending in the Marines, Trump said, “I mean, I think we have it very well under control. I think it would have been a very bad situation.” Shortly after, despite those comments, the Pentagon went on to mobilize 2,000 more National Guard troops and the 700 Marines who are standing by.

The increased military presence could be acting as a deterrent to some violence. CNN’s Kyung Lah, who is on the ground in Los Angeles covering the protests, told me the guard’s biggest impact is as a “show of force” and a target for people’s ire, rather than engaging with protesters or rioters.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.
 

The post LA unrest saddens us first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

I first heard the word “Watergate” in our social studies subject in high school.

I thought it was literally a gate surrounded by water.

It turned out it specifically refers to the Watergate Hotel located on Virginia Avenue, and which has become a general term used to describe a complex web of political scandals between 1972 and 1974.

After watching the CNN’s Original Series, “Watergate: Blueprint for a Scandal” on June 5, 2022, I thought it’s necessary to revisit this earthshaking event in the United States’ political history that highlighted the remarkable triumph of investigative reporting.

Not all Filipinos in the Philippines and those living in other countries were familiar with the story behind it unless they were interested on the subject matter and Googled it. It was a major victory for journalism over lies, cover-up and efforts to disparage the press and kill the truth.

Some of the most important details about the “Watergate Scandal” weren’t immediately available to some avid Pinoy readers since the Philippines was still under Martial Law at that time and access to free press was limited if not curtailed.
 
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The CNN feature story, complete with original videos and newspaper clippings, testimonies of important characters in White House and Washington Post who are still alive, was vivid and really brought us back to the time when cable TV and online news websites weren’t yet within the reach of ordinary Filipinos.

The hotel’s glamorous reputation had been eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972. This was when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to President Richard Nixon’s resignation.

Watergate has entered the political lexicon as a term synonymous with corruption and scandal, yet those who have visited the place will probably agree with us that the Watergate Hotel is one of Washington’s plushest hotels.

Former Senator Bob Dole used to stay frequently in that hotel and was once the place where Monica Lewinsky laid low, according to Watergate.info.

CNN narrated that it was here that the Watergate Burglars broke into the Democratic Party’s National Committee offices on June 17, 1972. And if it had not been for the alert actions of hotel security guard, Frank Wills, the scandal may never have erupted.
 
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The story of Watergate has an intriguing historical and political background, arising out of political events of the 1960s such as Vietnam, and the publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1970.

But the chronology of the scandal really begins during 1972, when the burglars were arrested. By 1973, Nixon had been re-elected, but the storm clouds were building. By early 1974, the United States was consumed by Watergate. Thanks to the vigilance of the media.

Nixon served as vice-president for eight years, then lost the 1960 election to John F. Kennedy.

He recovered from political defeat to be chosen again as the Republican Party’s candidate at the 1968 election. Following a year of turmoil, including two political assassinations, Nixon became the nation’s 37th President on January 20, 1969.
He delivered his “Silent Majority” speech late that year on the Vietnam War, articulating his belief that the bulk of the American people supported his policies and programs. He was vindicated by winning a landslide re-election and sworn in for a second term in January 1973.
 
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Nixon made three major speeches on the Watergate scandal during 1973 and 1974. The first was on April 30, 1973, in which he announced the departure of Dean, Haldeman and Ehrlichman.

A more defiant speech was delivered on August 15, 1973. Perhaps the politically most difficult speech was the one on April 29, 1974, in which Nixon released partial transcripts of the White House tapes. Initial investigations of Watergate were heavily influenced by the media, particularly the work of two reporters from the Washington Post, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, along with their mysterious informant, Deep Throat.

Political investigations began in February 1973 when the Senate established a Committee to investigate the Watergate scandal. The public hearings of the Committee were sensational, including the evidence of John Dean, Nixon’s former White House Counsel. The Committee also uncovered the existence of the secret White House tape recordings, sparking a major political and legal battle between the Congress and the President.In 1974, the House of Representatives authorized the Judiciary Committee to consider impeachment proceedings against Nixon. The work of this Committee was again the spotlight a quarter of a century later when Bill Clinton was impeached.
 
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Nixon’s last days in office came in late July and early August, 1974. The House Judiciary Committee voted to accept three of four proposed Articles of Impeachment, with some Republicans voting with Democrats to recommend impeachment of the President.The final blow came with the decision by the Supreme Court to order Nixon to release more White House tapes. One of these became known as the “smoking gun” tape when it revealed that Nixon had participated in the Watergate cover-up as far back as June 23, 1972. Around the country, there were calls for Nixon to resign.

At 9 pm on the evening of August 8, 1974, Nixon delivered a nationally televised resignation speech. The next morning, he made his final remarks to the White House staff before sending his resignation letter to the Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger. Gerald Ford became the 38th President of the United States when Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974.

He was the first vice-president and the first President to ascend to both positions without being elected. Regarded on all sides of politics as a decent man, Ford would be remembered for his controversial pardon of Nixon.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed

The post Triumph of investigative journalism first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

ALTHOUGH House Speaker Martin Romualdez remains to be arguably one of the most disliked if not hated faces in the Philippine politics nowadays, we have no problem with former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog becoming his “special” adviser.

Some Ilonggos may not like Romualdez, but they like Mabilog. If he was not forbidden by law, Mabilog would have actually run and won again as city mayor in Iloilo City.

Since his return to the Philippines after a harrowing eight-year hiatus abroad to protect his dignity and save his life from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s murderous rampage, Mabilog hasn’t landed a job that would make him a productive member of society.

Even if he has wealth, the former city mayor, just like anybody else, definitely doesn’t want to be a burden to his family, particularly to his ever supportive and moneyed wife, Marivic.

We all need a job; we need to work in a civilized society. Rich or poor, we need to eke out a living to pay our basic bills and as a necessity for our survival, as it provides the means to obtain basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.

We are obligated to contribute to society because individuals benefit from the contributions of others and Mabilog, even if he is reportedly “rich’, isn’t exempted to the rule, so to speak.

Work facilitates our learning and development, helping us realize our potential.

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Humans are a working species, as are most animals. Living is about being busy, be it foraging for food and building shelters, or designing marketing campaigns or rocket ships.

A lesson from Big Think tells us that “technology and automation will continue to free us from some of our tasks, but it will also create new ways to keep us busy.”

Computers may optimize many of our everyday activities, adds the Big Think, but we still sit in front of them for most of the day. Avoiding our phones for more than an hour seems unthinkable to most.

To be free is, in a sense, to be able to choose how to commit our time. Whatever our individual choices (and social privileges) are, we make sure we keep busy one way or another.

Technology and automation may change our choices, but not our needs. Work is a way of exercising our freedom.

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I received another email from New York Governor Kathy Hochul which she also sent to other New Yorkers: Alex, Your family is my fight, and I’ve been working hard to put money back in your pockets, make it easier for you and your loved ones to get ahead, and protect your communities. From Albany to Washington, D.C., that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.

I’ve told President Trump himself: I’ll work with him when it means getting big things done for New York. But if he comes after New Yorkers, their livelihoods, and their rights and freedoms, I’m going to fight for what’s best for New Yorkers.

From protecting abortion rights, to stopping federal overreach on congestion pricing, to standing up to the tariffs, we haven’t just been fighting for New Yorkers. We’ve been winning those fights.

As the kids finish up school, the weather gets warmer, and the days get longer, I hope you’re able to focus on the things that matter most in life: Spending time with loved ones and making great memories in our state. I’m going to keep fighting for you every day. Ever Upward, Gov. Kathy Hochul

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FROM CityMD: If you’ve noticed your asthma acting up, a lingering cough, or your breathing feels off, you’re not alone. New York and New Jersey are currently under an air quality alert, and these poor conditions can cause symptoms—especially in people with asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.

CHECK-IN DEADLINE. United Airlines customers who like to cut things close may be in for a rude awakening. Starting June, the carrier changed its check-in deadline for domestic flights to 45 minutes before departure. That includes passengers with only carry-on bags, who previously had to check in a scant 30 minutes before the gate closed. Customers traveling internationally were required to check in at least 60 minutes before departure. It’s also the 100th anniversary of the first flight of the Goodyear blimp. On June 3, 1925, an airship built by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company named “Pilgrim” took to the skies over Akron, Ohio.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed

The post Just like you and me, Mabilog also needs a job first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

 THE impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio hasn’t yet officially started, but some politicians expected to sit as judges have begun to grandstand.

They are aware media is currently laser-focused on the subject matter now that the May 12 election was history, thus they probably thought it’s the perfect time to strut around the halls of the upper chamber like peacocks.

They don’t have the humility.

They engage in shadow boxing, fencing-like debates, which are actually unnecessary, in order to catch public attention.

Some of them use highfalutin words and legal gobbledygook or legalese to show off and swagger.

Imagine what else they will do once the actual impeachment trial has blasted off.

Some of them may not be around anymore when the 20th Congress of the Philippines opens on July 28, 2025, thus they take advantage of the media coverage generated by the pre-impeachment trial joust to flaunt their intellectual arrogance.

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TO whom was Jesus referring when he declared in Matthew 8:10: “I tell you the truth. I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith?”

It must have been one of his disciples.

Or maybe someone whom he had just healed of the horrible and disfiguring disease, surmised the authors of Saints and Scoundrels of the Bible.

“Or what about the adulterous woman he saved from stoning, or the Samaritan woman he spoke with at the well?” the authors asked further.

While Jesus did heal and help many and had many faithful Jewish disciples, he was not referring to any of those folks in the statement, asserted authors Linda Chaffee Taylor, Carol Chaffee Fielding, and Drenda Thomas Richards.

Jesus was actually speaking about the Roman centurion.

He and this Roman army leader were separated by race, money, language, and social position, yet the centurion did not allow these differences to act as barriers.

The centurion–a powerful man with means to get any help he needed–came to Jesus for help.

That’s the first big “wow.”

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The centurion was on a mission to get aid for his servant and he knew Jesus was the only man who could help him.

“Lord…my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering” (8:6).

When Jesus offered to go and heal the servant, the centurion humbly replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (8:8).

Jesus was astounded by the man’s answer.

Now, it’s hard to believe that anything could stun and wow Jesus, but the Bible states it plainly: “When Jesus heard this, he was astonished (8:10).

He had never seen anyone in all of Israel with as much faith as the one Roman soldier.

That’s a second “wow.”

How could a Roman–a man hated by the Jews because his country oppressed and controlled them–have so much faith in Christ?

This despised Gentile’s faith put the Jewish religious leaders to shame.

In fact, they were missing out on God’s blessings because of their total lack of trust.

They wouldn’t believe Jesus really was who he said he was.

How many miracles would it have taken for them to get the point?

The Jews should have known the Messiah would come for everyone of all races, but they were too wrapped by in their own self-importance.

Jesus wasn’t impressed with the self-righteous hoopla of the religious leaders.

It took the simple faith of a humble man to really wow him.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines—Ed

The post They just don’t have humility first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

WE saw the decline of quality leaders elected in the recent May 12 polls owing to lack of competitions in the local positions.

Many important positions were uncontested if not “under contested.” 

And to think that Iloilo was once the chief producer of the country’s quality leaders, legislators, and even diplomats.

This was the era when the electoral system was not yet impaired; when leaders were chosen based on competence and qualifications, when political zarzuela wasn’t yet at fever pitched.

Good leaders elected even without the help of deceptive and confusing propaganda machine that blurred the demarcation line between reel and real world, when chaffs were separated from the grains.

We had Amado Avanceña (Iloilo first district), Nicolas Jalandoni (Iloilo second district), Salvador Laguda (Iloilo third district), Adriano Hernandez (Iloilo fourth district) and Regino Dorillo (Iloilo fifth district) as our first representatives in the Philippine legislative body in 1907.

A pride of Molo, Avanceña became governor of Iloilo.

The first Speaker pro tempore in history and the youngest in the first Philippine legislature was Nicolas Jalandoni of Jaro.

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The famous general of the Revolution was Adriano Hernandez of Dingle, Iloilo who became the first secretary of agriculture.

During the first world war, he was the commander of the Second Regiment of the Philippine National Guard. He would have been sent to Germany during the first World War.

The famed Evangelista brothers — Daniel and Jose, simultaneously represented the fourth district of Iloilo in the Philippine Legislature.

An Ilonggo delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention, Tiburcio Lutero had been assemblyman in third and fourth districts of Iloilo.

Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo’s grandfather, second district Assemblyman Jose Ma. Arroyo, also became a senator. His brother, Mariano, served as governor.

Senator Ruperto Montinola had served as governor and assemblyman in the second district of Iloilo.

He was also delegate and vice president of the 1935 Constitutional Convention. His daughter, Gloria Montinola Tabiana, became congresswoman.

According to the late lawyer and historian Rex Salvilla, President Manuel Quezon called Montinola “El Coloso del Sur” (Colossus of the South) for being a principled oppositionist.

War time Panay and Romblon Governor Tomas Confesor also was assemblyman in the third district of Iloilo and delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention.

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Known as the Stormy Petrel in the Legislature, Confesor became senator and the first secretary of commerce and interior and senator. His brother, Assemblyman Patricio, also became governor.

Assemblyman Jose Ma. Lopez Vito Sr. of the second district was governor, justice of the Supreme Court and first chairman of the Commission on Elections. His grandson, Rafael Lopez Vito, became the first congressman of the lone district of Iloilo City.

Salvilla said there was a time when three Ilonggo Tomases served simultaneously in the Legislature – Tomas Confesor of the third district, Tomas Buenaflor of the fourth district and Tomas Vargas of the fifth district.

Confesor later became senator and Vargas governor. A grandson of Buenaflor, Roberto Armada, became a vice governor in 2001.

Congresswoman Gloria Montinola-Tabiana of the third district was the first Ilongga lawmaker.

She succeeded her husband, Ramon C. Tabiana, a second termer. She was a daughter of Senator Ruperto Montinola.

Congressman Ricardo Y. Ladrido of the fourth district was the only dentist lawmaker in Iloilo.

Congressman Pedro G. Trono of the first district was the only pharmacist-doctor legislator in Iloilo. His wife, Lourdes Trono, was delegate to the 1973 Constitutional Convention. Congressman Licurgo Tirador of the third district was delegate to the 1973 Constitutional Convention, governor, mayor and provincial broad member. His father, Federico Tirador, Sr. was assemblyman of the fourth district.

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Congressman Jose C. Zulueta of the first district was the President of the Senate. He was also governor.

Fernando Lopez was senator and the only three-termer Vice President of the Philippines, city mayor and secretary of natural resources. His son, Alberto Lopez, was congressman of the second district and daughter-in-law, Emily Lopez, was governor and first congresswoman of Guimaras.

Congressman Oscar Ledesma of the second district was senator, governor and ambassador to the United States. He was one of those who refused to receive his backpay as assemblyman after the war.

Congressman Fermin Caram, Jr. of the second district was the son of Fermin Sr., governor and delegate to the 1973 Constitutional Convention. His daughter-in-law, Tita Caram, was the Iloilo City mayor.

Congressman Pascual Espinosa Sr. of the second district was the only labor leader lawmaker of Iloilo.

Assemblyman Venancio Cudilla of the fifth district opened northern Iloilo by building the San Nicholas mountain road from Barotac Viejo to Ajuy, added Salvilla.

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Before this, people from the northern towns went to Iloilo City by a circuitous route via Roxas City or by sailboat from various ports of Ajuy. Assemblyman Atanacio Ampig of the third district died during the sinking of SS Corregidor in Manila Bay at the outbreak of the war.

Assemblyman Esperidion Guanco of the fourth district became senator. Assemblyman Francisco Villanueva of the second district was a high-ranking official of the Estado Federal de Bisayas during the Philippine Revolution and later senator.

With all these Ilonggo greats carving a niche in national politics in the pre-internet epoch, the responsibility is supposed to rest on our shoulders to elect the most qualified if not the best mayors, governors, congressmen and representatives. But we didn’t elect the best in many elections.

We deserve only the kind of leaders that we elect. No ifs. No buts.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines—Ed

The post Ilonggos deserve the best based on history first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

WHEN the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr. fell in February 1986, many Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) stalwarts jumped ship and were “rescued” by the late former Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel’s United Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO).

Some opted to stay behind the “defrocked” party particularly the “Marcos loyalists” hoping for the strongman’s political resurrection that fizzled out with his death in 1989.

When Mrs. Corazon “Cory” Aquino took over and became estranged with Laurel, many of them abandoned UNIDO and embraced PDP-Laban, Tita Cory’s official party until 2009.

When the late Fidel V. Ramos or FVR reigned supreme in 1992, these unprincipled minions hastily formed a beeline to the new ruling Lakas-NUCD party.

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Then came Joseph “Erap” Estrada. From KBL, UNIDO, and PDP-Laban, these political grutnols and druggles “fled” like refugees to Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).

Everyone knew what happened next when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo or Ate Gloria took over: the balimbings, bereft of principle, were again in mad scramble to take oath this time as KAMPI members.

When the late Benigno Aquino III or P-Noy became president, the political pendulum abruptly tilted to the Liberal Party (LP)’s favor in a mass exodus that could dwarf the myth of Israel.

Under the new dispensation after P-Noy, some LP members did not only forsake the party that helped enrich many of them through “pork barrel”, they also burned their bridges swearing allegiance not only to former President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte’s PDP-Laban, but to many of the hard-hitting former mayor of Davao City’s programs that didn’t sit well with their previous political party.

The mass exodus from LP to PDP-Laban appeared to be “only the beginning.”

Duterte’s political party was expected to make a major sweep of the remnants of LP and other coalition parties when his pet program, federalism, took the center stage.

What did the changing of political bandwagon from one disintegrating political party to another ruling party indicate?

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It’s neither a sign of renaissance nor headway. It’s pure and simple opportunism.

Philippine politicians fight for survival and can’t afford to stay away from the political party of those in power like Mr. Duterte.

Many of these politicians have pending graft and corruption cases in courts. Some of them were engaged in protection racket.

Illegal loggers, smugglers, gambling and drug lords financed some of these politicians during elections.

If the sitting president, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will lower the boom against them, they will find their way to the doldrums like tottering fools.

If they were “outside the kulambo“, so to speak, when the new administration beckoned, there were strong chances their slumbering cases would be expedited; and they might end up snoring in the calaboose.

We will wait when Mr. Marcos Jr. or BBM makes an exit from the Malacanang in 2028 and another president will occupy the presidency.

We will surely see the same political merry-go-round similar to what we are seeing today.

That’s the reality of politics–only in the Philippines.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines—Ed

The post Not yet time to jump ship first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

IT was the late Pope Francis who first stunned the Catholic world when he made a tweak to the Vatican policy concerning same-sex couples before the end of 2023.

Catholic priests anywhere in the world can now bless those couples if they request it. However, the Church, now under Pope Leo XIV, stressed it is not changing its views on marriage and that it believes it is between one man and one woman.

The Rev. James Martin, a scholar, editor at large for the Jesuit magazine “America” and ABC News contributor, had spoken with “Start Here” to discuss the new policy and how it changes the Catholic church’s longtime stance against recognizing LGBTQ unions.

START HERE: What was this decision from the Vatican?

THE REV. JAMES MARTIN: It was a decision to allow priests and deacons and bishops to bless same-sex couples in certain situations. You couldn’t make it seem like a marriage, of course, you couldn’t kind of have it as a kind of liturgical rite.

But people who are in same-sex unions who have been married, legally, let’s say they say, ‘Come to the park and do a little blessing for us outside,’ or, ‘Come to our house in the backyard,’ that’s a big deal.

And look, I could not do that publicly before. I was not permitted to do that, and now I am. So it’s a big shift. It’s a big shift in the way the Church looks at same-sex couples.

START HERE: I’m curious what this means for the future of same-sex marriage in the Catholic church, because you just said like, obviously this wouldn’t apply to marriage. But does this open a pathway to same-sex marriage among Catholics? Is that now part of the conversation?

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MARTIN: Oh, meaning that the church says that a marriage is still for a man and a woman? So for people to be married in a church, or in a Catholic ceremony, you have to be a man and a woman. So that has not changed.

But before, you couldn’t even bless same-sex couples. As I said, I would have a hard time showing up in a collar and, you know, at someone’s garden party or barbecue or something even an informal blessing, that was a no-no.

So again, it’s a big step forward.

And I’ve been hearing from LGBTQ Catholics all day yesterday and they were very excited. So the proof’s in the pudding. They’re very excited and really gratified by this, an early Christmas present for them.

START HERE: You’re an American priest. Often when we have these conversations, some of the most critical voices of this Pope have been American bishops who think Pope Francis is too progressive, too out of line. Like this bishop- Joseph Strickland in Texas, on a podcast earlier this year called “Pints with Aquinas”…very openly critical of Francis before this guy was later forced out of the church.

JOESPH STRICKLAND, “PINTS WITH AQUINAS:” Living out the sexual relationship, it’s a very narrow path. It’s sort of the eye of the needle. It’s for a man and a woman, only. Committed for life, open to children.”

START HERE: So you’ve got this guy saying this pope is taking us down the wrong path. What is the response from American bishops? And will they just tell their priests, “You’re not allowed to do this?”

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MARTIN: I think it changes the conversation more around same-sex couples, and what does it mean. Before, just two years ago, when this question was posed to the Vatican, the response was, believe it or not, ‘God cannot and does not bless sin.’ So no, you may do this not at all, ever.

But in a declaration from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the kind of theological watchdog group, they set out a whole theology of what blessing was and said why we can do that.

And interestingly, the declaration did not say this depends on the local bishops’ conferences. It said that it’s up to the priests and ministers. There was a pretty muted response from the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, but really it opens the door for same-sex couples to go to their local priest and say, ‘Would you mind coming by my house with my family and doing a blessing?’ And now you can do it.

START HERE: Huh, so I mean, will you be planning on doing these blessings if someone asks you to bless their same-sex union, or would you take that on?

MARTIN: Absolutely. I mean, I’ve been waiting to do this for years. I couldn’t do it and I; I think it’s important to do these things with permission and not kind of step out of bounds too much, but the next couple that asks me, I’m happy to do it.

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SHE’S NOT IMPRESSED. Tough guys don’t wow women. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology shows that women find a man more appealing if he walks away from a jerk instead of responding aggressively.

BODY WEIGHT AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION. In a study of over 400 undergraduates, researchers at Florida Atlantic University found strong correlations among the students’ levels of sexual satisfaction, self-consciousness about their bodies, and satisfaction with their bodies. Muscular guys were the most sexually satisfied; body weight was key for women.

O CANADA. International cooperation has come to a grocer near us: Thanks to the new agreement between the USDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, products certified organic in Canada can be sold in the U.S. without undergoing additional review–and vice versa. So, when we see foods bearing Canada’s organic logo, we can trust that they met U.S. standards.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines—Ed

The post Still for man and woman only first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

This was the term used by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-6 Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel in reaction to a recent complaint filed by the Crimes and Corruption Watch International (CCWI), a watchdog group, against him and other officials of the agency before the Office of the Ombudsman.

We think it’s a wrong choice of word.

As “public servants,” Oropel, et al should instead welcome CCWI’s complaint in the spirit of fairness, transparency and accountability.

Instead of invoking the term “harassment”, Oropel, et al should have said, “We welcome the complaint because this will be our opportunity to air our side in the proper forum and to belie the accusation against us.”

“Instead of attacking us further in the media, it is best that a formal case is filed against us so that truth will come out and we can clear our names.”
 
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Filing a complaint against erring public officials, in fact, should be encouraged and backed by the public, including government employees in the concerned agencies.

If the genesis of any formal complaint emanated from abuse or squandering of public funds, it’s healthy for DPWH in particular, and for openness or democracy in general.

Public officials involved in any nefarious transaction may be held accountable if found guilty in a formal complaint filed in court.

Any taxpayer—a graft watch or media watchdog for that matter—has nothing to gain—or may be acting against the best interest of public, by employing “harassment” versus public officials suspected of misappropriating taxpayers’ money.

There can be no direct personal conflict between the accused and the accuser or accusers that would result in harassment or intimidation on the part of the complainant in any graft and corruption case.

Everything boils down to check and balance—to transparency and accountability, we repeat.

Under the principle of “a public office is a public trust,” there can be no personal attack against any party other than safeguarding of public coffer.

Harassment is defined as an offensive conduct that may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.

None of these “personal attacks” may have been present when the CCWI hauled the DPHW-6 execs in court. Let the justice system run its course.
 
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The fat woman who enraged many Ilonggos for saying nasty words online against a popular coffeeshop in Iloilo should be awarded with special favors by the owners of the “offended” coffee establishment.

Because of the furor whipped up by the fat woman’s controversial diatribes, the sales, or the customers of the coffee shop, are expected to shoot up.

According to a new study from Stanford Graduate School of Business, in some cases negative publicity can increase sales when a product or company is relatively unknown, simply because it stimulates product awareness.

“Most companies are concerned with one of two problems,” says Alan Sorensen, associate professor of economics and strategic management at the business school and one of the authors of the study.

“Either they’re trying to figure out how to get the public to think their product is a good one, or they’re just trying to get people to know about their product. In some markets, where there are lots of competing products, they’re more preoccupied with the latter. In that case, any publicity, positive or negative, turns out to be valuable.”
 
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 ‘A MAJOR ISSUE.’ A sperm donor with a rare genetic mutation fathered 67 children, and now 10 of them have been diagnosed with cancer, according to a CNN report. Advocates say there’s a need for greater regulation and a limit on the number of births allowed from a single donor.

 YOU SNOOZ, YOU LOSE? When jolted awake by a blaring alarm clock, CNN says it’s tempting to reach for the snooze button. “Just five more minutes” is practically a morning mantra. But you could be silently sabotaging your shut-eye.  

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo City, Philippines.—Ed)
 

The post Wrong choice of word first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

IT’S a misnomer to call outgoing Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas’ non-participation in the recently held May 12, 2025 election as “a retirement in politics.” 

No, he “won’t” retire; no, he “can’t” retire.

In the next three years, Treñas is expected to politically baby-sit neophyte Mayor-elect Raisa Maria Lourdes Sarabia Treñas-Chu or Mayor Treñas-Chu, 39.

What kind of a father is Treñas if after bringing her daughter to the pedestal, he’ll frolic in the autumn mist while she’s tasked holding the heavens on her shoulders like Atlas Shrugged? 

“Retire” as a candidate he did, but he will have to be a “Daddy Mayor” for the “Daughter Mayor” who will chart the affairs of the Iloilo City government sans any background as chief local executive until 2028.

Daddy Mayor has to stay in the front seat while Daughter Mayor drives the six-wheeler truck in the next three years.

“Walang iwanan, Daddy Mayor. I didn’t wish to be catapulted into the big league so that you will just leave me here alone to go home, eat popcorn, and sleep.”

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All eyes and ears will be on Mayor Treñas-Chu starting Day One. While party mates, friends, classmates and relatives will wish her the best of luck and success, jealous characters and political enemies will wait to see her slip in the banana peel.

Daddy Mayor can’t afford to hand over ammunition to critics. Three princesses are now lording over the metro politics: Daughter Mayor, reelected lone district Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda, and her younger sister Vice Mayor-elect Love-Love Baronda.

One false move or fatal mistake on the part of the current City Hall powers that be and a stroke of fate, any of the two Baronda political princesses can take over the helm and oust Daughter Mayor in 2028.

With three energetic princesses dominating the metropolis’ political landscape in the next three years, Daddy Mayor will have to scrap any vacation plans and play a political poker to shield Daughter Mayor and ensure her survival and success.

The game plan includes taking calculated risks and concealing intentions during the Daughter Mayor’s incumbency. The critical stage is the first 100 days.

The three political princesses are expected to collaborate on certain matters concerning governance and implementation of projects, policies, and ordinances.

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Daddy Mayor may employ aggressive tactics for Daughter Mayor, the most vulnerable of the three political princesses, to put pressure on potential “opponents,” and force them to make difficult decisions or potentially fold, akin to a poker player betting aggressively to push opponents off a pot.

Extended political battles, like long poker tournaments, require patience, endurance, and the ability to withstand pressure and setbacks. Three years are too short to relax and lower the guards down.

Instead of watching from behind the scenes or speeding off after bringing the daughter to the bus station, Daddy Mayor will have to start analyzing the political landscape, identifying weaknesses in their opponents’ positions or vulnerabilities in their support, and capitalizing on those weaknesses.

Instead of openly antagonizing the two sister political princesses, Daddy Mayor must act like a skillful poker player, understand the art of negotiation, knowing when to hold firm, when to compromise, and when to make deals to achieve their political objectives and ensure that Daughter Mayor remains in the City Hall beyond 2028.

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There were stories about the Trojan Horse of Arrogance and the Cat and the Curiosity in UpliftWithQuotes.

First a Trojan Horse made of arrogance, rolled into the city gates of your plans. You think you’ve won the war, but surprise! Your opponent jumps out, armed with unforeseen tactics. Underestimation is like assuming a QR code is just a square of random shapes—until you scan it, and it leads you to a world of unexpected wonders.

Also, remember the cat, curiosity, and that proverbial bag? Underestimating your opponent is like thinking your cat won’t knock over the vase just because it’s done so a hundred times before. Surprise, surprise! The vase lies shattered, and your opponent is already planning their next move.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed

The post Iloilo City’s 3 princesses and a poker player first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

THE big political news in Iloilo Province following the May 12, 2025 election was not the defeat of Raul “Boboy” Tupas to the “darling of the Gen Z”, Lee Ann Debuque, in the vice gubernatorial combat.

It was the fall of Neil “Junjun” Tupas Jr. (NPC), who was bludgeoned by his own sister-in-law, Binky Tupas (Lakas) in the fifth district congressional tussle.

Losing to a brother was painful. Losing to a brother’s wife must be double the pain.

Junjun, penciled to become a senator after a scintillating performance during the Erap Estrada impeachment trial in 2007, was supposed to reclaim the post after his younger brother, Boboy, trounced him for the same position in 2019.

He suffered yet his most painful political loss at the hands of Binky.

Now that their parents—Neil Sr. and Myrna Causing Tupas—are gone, Jujun, as the eldest, was expected to carry the clan’s political flag in the future political collision vis-à-vis Iloilo’s other powerful political dynasties.

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Junjun previously held the position for three terms, from 2007 to 2016. Binky, a one-term board member, sought the congressional post vacated by her term-limited husband, Boboy.

Junjun had boasted that “anyone can run and anyone can [carry] the name Tupas, but there is only one true-blooded Tupas that will run in the Congress and that is me…. We are very confident of victory in this election.”

In 2016, Junjun’s wife, Yvonne Angeli, also a lawyer also lost against Boboy, a PMA graduate, in the fifth district congressional race.

Binky campaigned for the continuation of Boboy’s projects, emphasizing that she will bring a God-and people-centered governance.

An architect by profession, Binky vowed to push for legislation that would maximize the tourism potential of the 5th District.

Binky was proclaimed the winning candidate by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) with majority of votes garnered from the towns of Carles, Lemery, Balasan, Estancia, Auy, Sara, Barotac Viejo, Conception, Balasan, San Dionisio, and Batad.

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Tax season can be overwhelming. Scammers may take advantage by promising a big tax refund or threatening taxpayers.

“Don’t be fooled by their schemes,” Citibank warned us in an email.

These are common tax scams and frauds to look out for:

-A larger-than-expected return. Watch out for offers of large tax refunds because they may not be legitimate. Use trusted sources like irs. gov or a licensed tax preparer to calculate your return.

-Disaster relief fraud. Assistance exists for those affected by disasters but be careful when accepting help. Be sure to get your information from verified sources like the IRS and the Tax-Exempt Organization Search at the irs. gov.

-Tax preparer fraud. Using a tax preparer can save you time and energy but be alert. Use a reputable tax professional with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Never sign a blank tax form. Review your return in full before authorizing the preparer to file it and always get a copy for your records.

-Digital communications scams (social media, texts and emails). Free bad advice is everywhere! Be careful when clicking links on social media, in emails or text messages as they can put your device at risk. Always verify recipients’ contact information before sending money to anyone.

-Unexpected tax bill. The IRS will never call you to demand a payment. It’s especially suspect if they ask you to send money with a specific payment method. If your bill is higher than expected or comes by surprise, contact the IRS through a trusted channel. You should also report IRS impersonations at irs. gov.

I have been advised to “Stay vigilant to protect your account. Bookmark our site, ci‍ti.‍com/fraudprevention, and visit often for the latest updates on common scams and how to spot them. If you think you may have been targeted for a scam, report it at ht‍tps‍://‍report‍fraud‍.ftc‍.gov/“

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TOP 20 WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: 1. Bananas, 2. Apples 3. Carrots 4. Tomatoes 5. Iceberg Lettuce 6. Oranges 7. Broccoli 8. Grapes 9. Winter Squash 10. Onions 11. Pears 12. Watermelon 13. Peaches 14. Spinach 15. Zucchini 16. Cauliflower 17. Strawberries 18. Cabbage 19. Cucumber 20. Cantaloupe. (Source: Produce Retailer)

LAST SEASONAL FRUITS. Fresh cherries are one of the few items in the produce department that don’t have year-round availability. Imports start in November and run through January from Chile, then pick back up in May from California and end in late August or early September from the North-west and British Columbia. There can be as much as 5 to 6 months with no fresh cherry availability.

FOR WOMEN. Zinc improves mood in women. Oysters (talaba) are a great source of zinc. According to London-based Dr. John Biriffa, there is some evidence that links zinc deficiency with an enhanced risk of depression. Treatment with zinc improved mood to some extent, he said.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed

The post Junjun Tupas’ most painful fall first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.