PEACE-MAKER In a world marred by conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the pursuit of peace remains a paramount objective for nations and organizations alike. In Asia, a region characterized by its diversity and dynamic political landscapes, the collaboration between regional organizations can play...
For Senator Robinhood Padilla considers the senatorial bid in 2025 of three Dutertes to be "very good news". Padilla was referring to Vice President Sara Duterte's recent disclosure that the former president, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte are all...
Much like his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte according to former senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson exercised "wise and smart politics" with her recent announcement to get "a glimpse of the pulse of the electorate." He was referring to the Vice President's...
For Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, a lot can still happen in terms of political bids in the May 2025 polls. Escudero pointed this out as he weighs in on Vice President Sara Duterte's disclosure that former president Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, and Davao...
OF TREES AND FOREST One time when I was having my coffee at one of the branches of Dear Joe, I observed a couple just sitting there enjoying their coffee while flipping through their iPads presumably reading an e-book. That imagery made me realize how times have changed. It has also made me...
FINDING ANSWERS The Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC) has gotten significant support in its mission to tackle malnutrition during the critical period in a child’s life—from conception to age two. No less than First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos led the June 15...
PEACE-MAKER Last June 20, our hometown Dagupan City marked its 77th founding anniversary, a milestone that invites both celebration and reflection. Dagupan has faced, and overcome, tremendous challenges, emerging each time with a renewed sense of resilience and community spirit. We were 10...
FINDING ANSWER At the Senate youth and sports committee that I chaired when I was senator in the late 1980s and early '90s, some of us hoped that an NBA team would eventually emerge the ultimate winner after being down 0-3 in the Finals. At that time, only around 40 teams found out that a...
PEACE-MAKER As the whole world pays tribute to all fathers, we wish to reprint our Father’s Day columns dated June 11, 2023 and May 19, 2022 as our modest homage to our beloved father, the late Jose Ravago de Venecia Sr.: After World War II, our father served as Judge at Large for the entire...
Sen. Robinhood Padilla said on Friday, June 14, that he wants the Senate to investigate the Philippine National Police's operation on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) premises in Davao City last June 10. He raised the issue of the alleged "unnecessary and excessive force" used by PNP members...
OF TREES AND FOREST Happy 126th Independence Day to all Filipinos! Whether you are here in the country or you are one of the millions of Filipinos working abroad, let us recommit ourselves to the vision of great Filipinos — Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, et al — to build a...
FINDING ANSWERS At last week’s Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel news forum, discussion focused on divorce and it became clearer why the dissolution of the permanent bond of marriage must not be legalized in the Philippines. Retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna said that House Bill 9349,...
