The proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), touted as the country's inaugural sovereign wealth fund, has garnered significant attention. Supporters project that the MIF will effectively harness national funds, yield substantial returns, and make a significant contribution to the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda, and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The MIF is said to encompass a diverse range of assets, including foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments, real estate, and impactful infrastructure projects. This broad spectrum of investments could lead to higher potential economic returns. However, this proposed fund has been met with controversy and skepticism. Critics express concerns that it may be a conduit for corruption and question the country's ability to divert surplus funds for investment amid its current budget constraints and ongoing developmental needs. The financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic has only compounded … [Read more...]
Should we go to church services despite government ban on mass gatherings due to COVID-19 ?
About three days ago the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a “pandemic.” COVID-19, officially also known as the “NOVEL CORONA VIRUS” (nCoV) and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) , was detected in the late 2019 rapidly spreading in provinces in China and later on spreading to the rest of the world. As a response just a few days ago, our very own President Rodrigo Duterte, proclaimed proclamation 922 declaring a state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines in accordance with Republic Act 11332. As of the time of this writing Metro Manila has been placed under “Community Quarantine.” Other jurisdictions also made their own local proclamations and provinces and cities all across the country also imposed their own “Community Quarantine.” Since as announced by the President, “Community Quarantine” involves the prevention of “mass gatherings” which of course includes church services, several churches in Metro Manila have … [Read more...]
The Biblical view on the death penalty and a historical survey on the position of the Roman Catholic Church on the said issue
The issue on the death penalty is trending nowadays. Thanks to the recently approved extremely “watered down” version of the death penalty bill and Philippine President Duterte’s strong stance on death penalty. Before we go to the topic let me clarify that this blog post is what exactly it is as stated in the title and the discussions here should be limited within the confines of the title as stated. If you don’t believe in the Bible or wish to argue for or against the death penalty from a sociological, historical anthropological or any other perspective outside the confines of the title of this topic or if you would like to address the issues as to whether the death penalty is effective in deterring crime based on studies etc., I would gladly address your concerns in another blog post. For now this addresses the issue from the perspective of what the Bible says about the death penalty and a historical survey on the position of the Roman Catholic on the matter. When religion … [Read more...]
Become a hero … a Hero of light !
In pursuit of one of its main advocacies, that is providing a source of renewable energy source for last mile communities the Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities (SEED4COM) Team have just rolled out a new program for small islands. There are about 2, 564 Barangays in the Philippines that still do not have access to any type of electrical source. Some islands or communities may have generators but the costs they have to pay is so high. At an estimated cost of Php40.00 for four hours, that means for a 24 hour collection alone, the will be paying Php 7,200.00 each month just so they can switch lights on and maybe one electric fan. The Philippines is among the countries who pay the highest rates in electricity, and it is hurting the marginalized members of our society the most. Imagine eating supper with your family in pitch dark, you're lucky if you have a candle or a small kerosene lamp. Dubbed as the “Hero of light” project, SEED4COM aim to provide … [Read more...]
My Philippine Postal Services Corporation delayed package delivery experience
Last year I ordered several books from Amazon. Some of the books were second hand college text books and the sellers of these text books do not do international shipping. So I asked my friend who lives in the United States if I could have it shipped to her address and then she will just ship it to my Philippine address. I asked her to ship it via USPS. (United States Parcel Services) I would have preferred the she ship it via private courier considering that PHILPOST (Philippine Postal Service) will be the one to receive it if it is shipped by USPS and it is known to everyone in the Philippines that PHILPOST is so slow when it comes to delivering mails and packages. But since I ordered more than 15 books and some of these books are quite heavy, I opted to have it shipped via USPS as it was much more cheaper. Besides, I was not in a hurry to receive it. On August 17, 2013 my friend sent the package. I was accustomed to the slowness of Philpost services so I figured out that I will … [Read more...]
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