PCOO slams watchdog’s claim killings went up 50% during pandemic

The Duterte administration has prioritized human rights and dignity of all Filipinos in the time of the pandemic, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said Wednesday, denying a report which claimed that killings in the country worsened during the ongoing health crisis.

In a statement, Andanar denounced the Human Rights Watch (HRW) September 8 report titled “Killings in Philippines Up 50 Percent during Pandemic”, describing it as “gross distortions” of the situation in the country.

“The article has weak methodological anchor, and severely falsifies realities in the country,” Andanar said.

The HWR said it analyzed government statistics and found 155 persons were allegedly killed in the past four months compared to only 103 persons from December 2019 to March 2020.

Andanar urged the HRW to avoid the use of “unqualified and unverified data” and “conclusions derived from flawed methodologies and drawn with ideological blinders”.

“We believe in the role of an empowered civil society in nation-building and transforming communities for the better. Therefore, we encourage the HRW and other global human rights watchdogs to uphold the highest level of integrity and credibility to maintain their relevance and positive force,” he said.

He said the administration has also maintained its commitment to pursue the anti-illegal drug campaign with lawful enforcement operations throughout the pandemic.

The PCOO chief rejected allegations of state-sanctioned extra judicial killings that have resurfaced and vowed to investigate allegations and prosecute cases.

“Internal accountability mechanisms within our law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police, are in place to ensure that wrongful actions by law enforcers are addressed,” he said.

Andanar also said the administration remains to be receptive and willing to engage with individuals, groups, and organizations to act on relevant matters and issues, especially on human rights.

“We remain in cognizance of our international and humanitarian obligations as we continue to promote all Filipinos’ inherent freedoms and human rights throughout our administration,” he said.

According to Andanar, the administration was focused on carrying out socio-economic interventions to stretch the resources and capacities of the government.

He said the Philippines’ Covid-19 response enjoys the confidence and support of the Filipino people as attested by the global polling firm Gallup International Association.

Results of the Gallup survey, conducted April 6 to 8, showed that 80 percent of Filipinos are convinced that the Duterte administration is handling the Covid-19 crisis “well".

Last Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque brushed aside the HRW report saying it was usual for human rights groups to make noise about issues to be heard.

“Ganyan talaga ang trabaho ng mga human rights groups. Mag-ingay para iyong mga gobyerno eh pakinggan sila. Pero hindi naman ibig sabihin na lahat ng sinasabi nila ay gospel truth (That’s how human rights groups work. They make noise so the government would listen to them. But it does not mean that everything they say is gospel truth),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115685

Franchise-less ABS-CBN makes its presence more felt

With the number of shows it is launching every week, ABS-CBN seems unfazed by this year’s setbacks and challenges. It’s admirable to see the network making an effort to produce fresh episodes of its teleseryes like “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” “A Soldier’s Heart,” and “Love Thy Woman.”

The company found ways to secure the safety of its stars and production team just to come up with new shows for many Filipinos who are working or quarantined in their homes. Arising from the heartbreaking shutdown of its broadcasting services followed by a mass retrenchment, ABS-CBN turned things around and innovated their content.

One of the biggest online hits is Black Sheep’s Boy Love (BL) series “Hello Stranger,” starring Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, which earned 13.7 million digital views during its run. That makes it the most watched digital series in the country.

ABS-CBN Films experimented with a new format with the “Four Bad Boys and Me” digital series, which has amassed online followers with its unique and interesting storytelling.

Netizens are also witnesses to the rise of ABS-CBN streamers on Pinoy livestreaming app Kumu through the For Your Entertainment or FYE Channel. Since it started in July, FYE Channel has already gained more than 100,000 followers who take delight in the gabfests filled with interesting stories, trivia, and tips.

More viewers are enjoying intimate conversations in shows like “Bawal Ma-Stress Drilon” and “Kwentong Auntie Julie,” while others appreciate the on-the-spot grooming and beauty tips in shows like “Manhacks” and “Make Me Over.”

The Kapamilya network also seems to be unstoppable in producing music. Since March, it has launched collaboration projects such as “Ililigtas Ka Niya,” “Live For Jesus,” “Beautiful,” and most recently “HEAL,” sending a message of hope through music for listeners who need encouragement during these trying times.

Going through the list, you wouldn’t think ABS-CBN has disappeared from our lives. On the contrary, it has made itself more felt by keeping the industry alive with more originals.

We know many Filipinos are missing their ABS-CBN fare. But we won’t rule them out. ABS-CBN has thrived through crises. It has become part of Filipinos’ lives, and many are looking forward to the day that it will be back on air.

https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2020/09/16/2043046/franchise-less-abs-cbn-makes-its-presence-more-felt

This Is Why You Should Be A Fool

 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  1 Corinthians 1:18

When the U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia spoke to a group of law students, he said that Christians are "destined to be regarded as fools in modern society." "God," said the Justice, "assumed from the beginning that the wise of the world would view Christians as fools…and He has not been disappointed." Devout Christians are destined to be regarded as fools in modern society," Scalia warned.  "We are fools for Christ's sake. We must pray for courage to endure the scorn of the sophisticated world. If I have brought any message today," he concluded, "it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world." [1]

Justice Scalia was called ridiculous; his comments called "out of place" by critics.  One went so far as to say that he "undermines public confidence in his objectivity" on church-state issues.

Christians often face the same situation in higher education.  Sociologist, George Yancey, who is a black Christian says, "Outside of academia I faced more problems as a black, but inside academia I face more problems as a Christian… it is not even close." Yancey, a professor at Baylor University, conducted a survey in which 59 percent of anthropologists and 53 percent of English professors said they would be less likely to hire someone they found out was a Christian.[2]

For the student of God's Word, these instances should come as no surprise.  Jesus said it very clearly, "So don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:14) Opening his first letter to the Christians of the city of Corinth, Paul explained why this is the case.

"The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.  As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.

But to those called by God to salvation…Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans…" (1 Corinthians 1:18-21,25)

Now, no one likes to be ridiculed and mocked.  But the fact is, that the world is watching.   It doesn't expect to see what the Bible teaches that the Christ follower should do--because the countercultural response of the Bible is blessing!  God's Word teaches us to bless those who mock us.  "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 8:9). The blessing that you give by responding in love and acceptance when someone ridicules you is significant.  But the lasting blessing a Christ-follower receives from acting in obedience in this situation is far greater!

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers," Matthew 5:11-12 encourages us. "Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven."

A response might look like a simple, "I hear what you're saying, but I don't agree with you," or blessing might mean you don't respond at all.  It does mean we don't become bitter, because we know that we aren't being attacked personally, but for Him Who is in us.

"I am a fool for Christ," said advocate for the persecuted, known as Brother Andrew, "Whose fool are you?"

Resource reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

[1] Baergen, P. (2016, March 10). Blog. Retrieved July 21, 2020, from https://generationjoshua.org/GenJ/blog/liberty's-call/2016/03/10/remembering-justice-antonin-scalia

 

[2] Kristof, N. (2016, May 07). A Confession of Liberal Intolerance. Retrieved July 21, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/08/opinion/sunday/a-confession-of-liberal-intolerance.html?_r=0

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/this-is-why-you-should-be-a-fool/