The Libreng Sakay (free bus ride) program that started in late 2020 is an initiative that shows government is listening to the people. Recently, when news reports announced that the program would not be extended after it ended on Dec. 31, 2022, people – especially those who needed the free rides...
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is the central personnel agency of the Philippine government responsible for the policies, plans and programs concerning all government employees, whether working in national or local governments. Its mission is to promote morale, efficiency, integrity,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY We often hear it said, as St. Paul also says, “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor 15:33). In fact, parents usually warn their children to choose who they associate or make friends with. The fear is that one becomes what one’s companions are. While this has truth in it,...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Feast of the Lord’s Baptism is celebrated not because Jesus needed to be cleansed. Rather, Jesus allowed himself to be deemed sinful as an act of solidarity with sinful humanity. St. Paul is even more shocking when he says that for our sake God made Jesus who knew no...
HOTSPOT Tonyo Cruz Today, I mark my ninth year as a Manila Bulletin columnist. Since I started writing columns on Jan. 4, 2014, I may have already written about 500 columns. Exactly how many pieces I’ve written and got published, I don’t know. What I’m sure about is that I’m grateful for...
The Communication, Navigation and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was disabled by a power outage at around 9:50 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, triggering the cancellation of some 300 flights affecting around 56,000...
REFLECTIONS TODAY One of the striking things about our Lord’s life is that he was always on the move, walking with people, accompanying them, visiting homes of the sick, and so on. Here, the first disciples who are following Jesus ask him where he is staying, and he invites them, “Come, and you...
REFLECTIONS TODAY When Pope Francis visited the Philippines in 2015, we all did our share in preparing for his coming. For such a momentous occasion we needed to prepare ourselves for his visit—not just externally but also internally. And so it was that our hearts were aflame when he came as we...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel is commonly known as the Prologue of John. It is a semi-poetic piece of literature that tells the story of the coming of the Logos or the Word into the world. It contains the famous line, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” which best...
The year 2022 closes with a significant event that shows government's inititative to lead the nation to digitalization. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), an additional 628 operational free Wi-Fi sites have been established recently, on top of the...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Luke and Matthew narrate their respective versions of the Infancy Narrative. Compared to Luke’s version, which is characterized by a joyous tone, the Matthean Infancy Narrative tells of the struggles of the Holy Family and of all those who are related to them, like the innocents...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Yesterday, we reflected deeply on the mystery of the Incarnation in a very joyful atmosphere. The imagery of a gentle infant beautifully laid in a manger is still fresh in our minds. Today, however, we are led to reflect on the offering of blood by St. Stephen, the first martyr...
