Maniolas

By Abner Galino IGLESIA ni Cristo (INC) expatriates, particularly here in Los Angeles, have remained intact amid a developing crisis within the hierarchy of the biggest and most powerful home-grown church in the Philippines. A devout INC member, Erwin Arrieta, declared that the church would even become stronger after the crisis was over. “Ang turo hindi naman nag-iiba, yun pa rin. Kaya kahit ano man ang problema, hindi maaapektuhan ang simbahan lalo pang titibay. (The doctrine remains the same. The church will remain strong despite the crisis.),” Arrieta explained. Arrieta added that the incident in Manila even validates the fidelity of the INC church to its doctrine. “Pinapakita lang na walang sinisino ang simbahan. Pag lumabag ka sa patakaran, ititiwalag ka kahit na sino ka pa,” Arrieta pointed out. Arrieta is part of the INC southern California district which is composed of about 47 congregations distributed through the states of Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Another INC member who requested anonymity, agreed with the assessment of Arrieta. According to her, INC members are focused on the teachings of the church and not on the personalities or people that run it. She expressed sadness over the turn of events though. “Siyempre nalulungkot tayo para sa kanila, mga kapatid sila at ina ni Ka Eduardo,” she added. The source said that she welcomes a thorough probe on the corruption and abuse allegations made by Ka Angel Manalo, the brother of INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, and other ranking ministers. According to her, the Read More …

Senator Grace Poe (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe remains uncertain whether or not she would seek the presidency in 2016. “Kasalukuyan ko pa ring sinusuri at tinitimbang ng buong katapatan ang aking puso at isipan patungkol sa hinaharap,” Poe said in a text message Tuesday. (I’m still weighing until now with all honesty my heart and mind about the future.) “Napakahalaga ng nakasalalay sa aking magiging disisyon. Bukod tangi dito ang nararapat na kahinatnan at marating ng ating bayang mahal sa susunod na anim na taon,” she said. (My decision will have very important implications. The most important of which are our beloved country’s outlook and path in the next six years.) Poe was reacting to the statements of Senators Sergio Osmeña III and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who have expressed certainty that the lady senator will join the presidential race next year. But Poe said those kinds of perceptions “do not really put added pressure on me.” “While I consult my family and close friends when necessary, I am and have always been independent in deciding on important matters,’ she said in another text message on Wednesday. “What puts pressure on me is the matter of whether what I finally decide on is the right one for our country,”   she added. While she has yet to make a decision, Poe has already topped the latest presidential survey conducted by the Pulse Asia, overtaking Vice President Jejomar Binay, the erstwhile consistent topnotcher in various surveys. She also Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses the change of command ceremony of Philippine National Police with former PNP Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina ceding to newly appointed Chief Police Director Ricardo Marquez the symbolic Transformation Torch during the PNP Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez on Tuesday assured the public that investigation on the alleged anomalies surrounding the so-called “White House” in Camp Crame will continue even if it has now become his official residence. Marquez said the Ombudsman has meted out administrative sanctions in connection with the donations gathered for the White House’s construction in 2013. At the time, the occupant of the two-story residence was then-PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima. In late June, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Purisima and 10 other police officials over another controversy – entering into an allegedly anomalous contract with service courier Werfast Documentary Agency (Werfast) in 2011. “Nagkaroon na ng administrative decision ang Ombudsman. ‘Yung mga pinaniniwalaang sangkot doon ay nabigyan na ng kaparusahan at ang alam ko ay parang administrative remedies ang ginagawa ngayon,” Marquez said. Asked if the investigation on the White House’s controversy will continue, Marquez replied in the affirmative. The White House landed in the headlines last year after reports surfaced that its construction cost reportedly reached around P20 million. PNP director Read More …

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