Wednesday, February 3, 2021
God Had Planned Something Better
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Hindsight vision is always 20-20, but seeing what lies in the future is totally something else. The future is unknown, risky, and indefinite. It’s no wonder we hesitate to take the bold step whether it is launching a business or moving away from the security of the nest. No business or marriage would likely fail if we knew the future, but neither does any endeavor succeed apart from a measure of risk. The armchair critics risk nothing. They are the ones who quarterback from the sidelines. They are exactly right with their criticism, but they are worthless when it comes to playing the game.
The writer of the book of Hebrews talks about a genre of heroes–at least heroes from God’s point of view–whose exploits always seemed to fall short of success. The writer says, “Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy…” (Hebrews 11:36-38). Tough people, those who chose to face difficulty and the sure consequences that accompanied it, rather than to take the easy way out.
In the same passage the writer says, “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:39-40). Did you notice that phrase, “God had planned something better for us…”? And what does that mean? Does it imply that it is better not to face the tough times of life? Naturally, that appeals to us. Nobody likes criticism or persecution for his faith. But that isn’t what it means.
Those individuals who were willing to pay the price for their faith did it without seeing deliverance. They willingly laid down their lives for a victory which they did not yet see.
Those whom the writer of Hebrews was addressing, though, did see a victory which those who lived in bygone years only anticipated: the victory of an empty tomb, the victory of seeing Jesus Christ go hand-to-hand in combat with the enemy and come off victorious.
It was this that the writer saw as “something better which God had planned.” What’s the bottom line? There are many things which we’ve got to take by faith–the times when we seem to lose, the times when we pray and it seems that evil triumphs, the times when you do right and seem to become the victim.
Can you accept by faith the proposition that God had planned something better? “Hey, just a minute!” you may be thinking. “Isn’t that like whistling in the dark, or pretending that something is true which really isn’t?” It all depends on your perspective.
If you live only for the hour, then perhaps the one who suffers or dies for a cause which will ultimately win is really the loser. But if God is God, and He is the Sovereign of the universe, then He will have His payday someday, and He will ultimately even the score, giving reward to those to whom it is due, and rendering judgment to those to whom it is due, as well.
The wheels of justice seem to grind so very slowly, yet the overview of history says that they grind exceedingly fine and sure. Better to lose in a cause that will ultimately win than to win in a cause that will ultimately fail.
Resource Reading: Hebrews 11
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/god-had-planned-something-better/
Fear from anti-terror law due to law enforcers' track record: analyst
Law enforcers must prove themselves that the implementation of the new counterterrorism law will remain conscious in protecting human rights, a security analyst said Wednesday.
"I think the main challenge here is the track rating of our law enforcers. Some people, they don't trust our law enforcers about their credibility in implementing this kind of law," Professor Rommel Banlaoi, director of the Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, told ANC.
"I think the ball is now in the court of the law enforcement authorities to prove themselves that the implementation of the anti-terrorism law will remain conscious of the need to protect the rights of the people that this law intends to protect."
He made the remark as the Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing oral arguments on petitions challenging the validity of the contentious Anti-Terrorism Act.
Despite such concerns, Banlaoi remains in favor of the anti-terror law "as the threat of terrorism in the Philippines has evolved into a more brutal and draconian form."
"We have to understand that the main intention of this law is not only to put to jail terrorist organizations but also to prevent individuals and organizations from committing actual acts of terrorism and put to justice all personalities and organizations supporting, financing, training, and even endorsing and glorifying acts of terrorism," he said.
As among those consulted when the measure was being crafted, Banlaoi stressed it was a "misunderstanding" that the law would be used against legitimate dissent.
"The anti-terrorism law is promoting and supporting activism, as long as this kind of activism will remain to be peaceful and lawful," he said.
"Of course, the anti-terrorism law will run after activists supporting armed struggle, propagating violence and even endorsing acts of violence."
The counter-terror law was signed in July 2020 despite heavy opposition over fears it could be used to crack down on dissent.
Among the law's contentious provisions includes warrantless arrest, prolonged detention without charges and the designation of any person or group as terrorists.
Iloilo City redistricting gets Congress nod
By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – The proposed redistricting of this highly urbanized city into two legislative districts earned the nod of the House of Representatives (HoR) on the third and final reading on Tuesday.
“Our dream of leveling up and becoming an even greater metropolis got a fresh boost today with the approval of our bill adding a legislative district in Iloilo City,” Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, author of House Bill 8477, said on Wednesday.
In an official statement, Baronda said once it becomes a law, the city will have two representatives in the HoR, which means a “louder voice in Congress”.
“With two legislators, we can expect more projects and programs from the national government, a doubled effort to woo investors, and more benefits for the people,” she said.
She added that she hoped the Senate will also pass a counterpart bill for the proposed redistricting.
Meanwhile, in an interview over RMN Iloilo, Mayor Jerry Treñas said he fully supports the proposed redistricting.
“As a congressman for nine years, I have seen how a congressperson can help out in the development of our city,” he said citing that Cebu, Marikina, and Makati among others were also divided into two legislative districts.
He added that if needed, he will try to campaign with senators he knows to seek their support.
The proposed redistricting of Iloilo City started during the time of former Rep. Raul Gonzales Jr. and Treñas.
“We continued what they have started, and we are fortunate to have successfully received support from our esteemed colleagues,” Baronda added.
She thanked the House leadership and her colleagues for supporting the bill.
One congressional district will be composed of Jaro, Lapaz, and Mandurriao districts while the other legislative district will have City Proper, Molo, Arevalo, and Lapuz districts.
‘2 BETTER THAN 1’; Iloilo City may soon have another legislative district
ILOILO City – The House of Representatives approved House Bill 8477 or “An Act Reapportioning the Lone Legislative District of the City of Iloilo” on its third and final reading yesterday.
Filed by Rep. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda last July 29, 2019, the bill aims to add a legislative district here to help accelerate the metro’s growth and development as Western Visayas’ economic hub and regional center.
“Our dream of leveling up and becoming an even greater metropolis got a fresh boost,” according to Baronda.
Such dream, she said, was started by former congressman Raul Gonzalez Jr. who filed House Bill 4256 in the 14th Congress, then by now Mayor Jerry Treñas who filed House Bills 1219 and 3474 in the 15th and 17th Congresses.
“We continued what they started, and we are fortunate to have successfully received support from our esteemed colleagues,” said Baronda.
House Bill 8477 is set to group the districts of Jaro, La Paz and Mandurriao together as the First Legislative District, and cluster City Proper, Molo, Arevalo and Lapuz as the Second Legislative District.
Treñas welcomed the development. “It is long overdue. The creation of another district means another congressperson will be able to provide more projects, financial assistance, scholarships and other services,” he told Panay News.
The former legislator emphasized, “The city has already developed so much that we can accommodate another congressional district. Our constituents will benefit a lot from this development.”
Baronda told Panay News “reapportioning the city does not only lend an extra voice (to the Ilonggos). It also signifies an extra (pair of) ear(s). Another district representative will allow for a better approach to the needs of the people.”
“The growth in our city’s population must be met with this measure to ensure proportional representation,” added Baronda.
Additional representation to voice Ilonggo interest
A barangay official also welcomed the bill’s approval, saying the city deserves more pro-people programs and services.
Barangay Hibao-an Norte’s Barangay Captain Ariel Mirar embraces the idea of another legislative district representative as the growing population implies more people have to be provided with public services.
Mirar believes reapportioning the city will help leaders deliver services to those who need them the most.
“Matagaan importansiya ang tagsa-tagsa ka proyekto nga ipalab-ot sa komunidad ilabi na gid sa aton kabarangayan,” he said.
He was seconded by another barangay leader. “As a public servant for 16 years, I believe Iloilo City is qualified to have two representatives. This will provide the city with better opportunities,and advantage when it comes to projects,” John Jesner Perce H. Punsaran, ABK president of La Paz District, told Panay News.
“I also believe that creating two legislative districts would spur economic development for the city. It is about time that Iloilo City, which has long been acknowledged as the cultural, commercial, academic, religious and governmental center in Western Visayas, gets another legislative district,” added Punsaran.
Another community leader, Kagawad Raymond Mosquera of Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo, echoed Punsaran saying, “Makadala sang dugang nga proyekto ilabi na gid infrastructures, sa ciudad sang Iloilo. Pamaagi man ini para mapadasig kag matagaan attention ang kada area sang duwa distrito.”
Baronda highlighted that this measure is for the greater good of the Ilonggos, saying “a stronger and concerted voice for the Ilonggo community in Congress by virtue of adding another district representative will underscore the urgency of bills, thereby allowing the possibility of an expedited process for proposed legislations that are of local significance.”
More responsive approach
With Iloilo City’s population at 447,992 as per the latest Philippine Statistics Authority National Census (2015), an additional representative can aid in delivering context-based programs and solutions.
Florist Maria Mae Abangan Soriano of Barangay Dulonan, Arevalo, meanwhile said it is practical to have two legislators speaking for Iloilo City.
“Naga-uswag na ang ciudad kag nagadako kag damu na ang responsibilities sang congressman. So need nga duwa ang ma-handle nga congressmen para matutokan maayo ang need sang pumoluyo,” she told Panay News.
Economic growth
The support for the reapportioning Iloilo City is also grounded on the enhanced funding support from the national government as it will lead to the much-needed boost in our city’s development that has been derailed by the pandemic.
For millennial engineering student Renz Deerick S. Baido, the additional representative for Iloilo City is a “great opportunity in terms of economic stability” and “is beneficial for our future.”
He asserted that since the pandemic has affected the economy, another congressman or congresswoman will help push for more employment and livelihood programs.
Baronda emphasized that this legislation can aid alleviate the ill-effects of the pandemic.
“The support of another champion for Iloilo City in the House of Representatives will provide that extra push for more legislation that can help enliven our economy,” she said.
Baronda emphasized that the reapportioning of Iloilo City does not mean a division or a split. The purpose of this piece of legislation is aimed at improving the lives of Ilonggos through better public service via additional representation.
“If we liken our city to a boat, it is better than two boatmen paddle it in going to our destination. We can get to where we want to be a lot faster,” she said.
She further said: “Take the case of our bill establishing the Iloilo City Hospital. If there are two congresspersons from our beloved city, they have a stronger voice in pushing for its approval. It may be a cliché but you know two is definitely better than one,” she further said.
House Bill 8477 is co-authored by Cong. Michael Gorriceta (2nd District, Iloilo Province), Cong. Raul Tupas (5th District, Iloilo Province) and Cong. Stephen Paduano.
A total of 207 legislators voted in favor of the bill while six abstained. No one voted against its passage.
It will be sent to the Senate for a counterpart legislative measure./PN
https://www.panaynews.net/2-better-than-1-iloilo-city-may-soon-have-another-legislative-district/
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Honesty
But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. John 3:21
What would you do in this situation? You are a repairman who has been called to replace the water heater in the home of an old gentleman who is 88 years of age and cannot go downstairs where the water heater is located. When you examine the water heater, however, you discover that only a minor problem with a setting is causing the water heater to malfunction. A new unit is an unnecessary expense. He will never know that the old one could be easily repaired, and you’ll make many times more money. After all, he did call and asked for the unit to be replaced. Would you make the repair, replace the unit, or ask him to indicate just what he wanted done?
Can a business person succeed and still be honest? Some say, not. But once you start bending the truth, where do you stop? At the point your golf partner complains, at the point where your husband or wife finds out, at the point where the government finds out, or back at the place where you know God will know? Paul instructed, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21 KJV); but you say, “He didn’t have to do business in the environment in which I try to make a living.”
There are times when, unquestionably, the honest person is at a disadvantage: the student who chooses not to be dishonest on his exam, who is penalized because he doesn’t do what others are doing. I am thinking of the sad letter which I received from a minor government official in India, who became a Christian and then stopped accepting the petty bribes which were part of the system of graft. Not only was his income reduced, but when it came time for a dowry for his daughter, he had little money which he could send with her as a wedding gift.
When Paul addressed the issue of honesty in our lives, he said that there is something which goes beyond getting caught. The dishonest person violates his conscience and destroys part of the very fabric of his soul. Here’s how he put it: “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:6,7).
A certain carpenter worked for many years for a contractor, and during the years of his employment, he was treated fairly but never felt that he received the compensation which he really deserved. Finally, the contractor told the aging carpenter, “There is one more house which I want you to build.” The carpenter accepted the task but felt that since this house was the last one that the contractor was going to build, he’d cut corners where it would not show and pocket the money. After all, he reasoned, the contractor will never know, and “I really deserve better than I have received.”
That was exactly what he did, too. Where something would not be obvious, he used an inferior grade of materials but passed the cost of better materials on to the contractor.
Finally, the house was completed, and after the final inspection, the contractor met with the carpenter and handed him the keys. “Here,” he said, “this is yours. It is how I want to reward you for a lifetime of faithful service.” Whether we are honest or dishonest, sooner or later what we do comes back to reward us.
By the way, if you were the repairman who was called to install a new water heater, what would you have done?
Resource Reading: Matthew 5:1-16
GMA Regional TV launches pioneering ‘unified newscast’ for Bicol region
The Kapuso network continues to intensify its #LocalNewsMatters campaign with the launch of GMA Regional TV’s flagship newscast spanning the Bicol region — Balitang Bicolandia.
Airing from Mondays to Fridays at 5 p.m. starting yesterday, Feb. 1, Balitang Bicolandia is the pioneering “unified” program offering news and information “produced by Bicolanos for the Bicolanos” and broadcasting simultaneously via local stations in Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, Daet, Catanduanes and Masbate.
“After almost two years of preparation, we are more than honored to launch GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy first VP and head Oliver Victor Amoroso in an exclusive Zoom interview with The STAR.
It took them two years because “if you are producing a program such as a unified local newscast, it really takes a lot of time and effort to form a team.”
Not to mention COVID happened, Amoroso noted. While the show was really intended for a February 2021 launch, it could have been fast-tracked if not for the challenges brought about by the pandemic. For the first time, preparations were mainly executed virtually. He, however, said, that “this is the right time and right timing to give Bicol their own newscast.”
To date, Balitang Bicolandia is the sixth flagship newscast from GMA Regional TV or RTV. Backed by experiences from previous launches, Amoroso said they made sure their programming offers the “right mix” of stories.
“Not just about calamities, but also amazing, ‘oragon’ stories. We’re innovating... We don’t want this to be one of those regional newscasts. We want to level up. We thoroughly studied the segments because we are so privileged to be given 35 minutes of airtime, five times a week.”
RTV also searched for the “right mix” of local personalities to be the “faces” of Balitang Bicolandia. After screenings and subsequent training, Rhayne Palino, Jessie Cruzat and Katherine Henry have been unveiled as anchors. They are joined by Naga-based correspondent Charmaine Ragiles and a wide network of stringers all over Bicol.
Palino has covered typhoons and other major calamities in Bicol for GMA Regional TV Weekend News, GMA RTV’s national newscast that recently received a Special Citation for Best News Program at the 42nd Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Cruzat, on the other hand, is a tri-media personality who began his career in broadcast journalism as a radio field news reporter and host in Bicol.
Beauty queen-turned-broadcast journalist Henry started out as a travel show host and TV segment producer. Hailing from Iriga City, the former Miss Bicolandia and Miss Kaogma is also a tourism advocate and a Marine reservist.
“We are really in the stage of looking for a new breed of broadcast journalists in the regions. Our anchors for Balitang Bicolandia, (their backgrounds are) very diverse. They best represent the diverse Bicolandia. They are the right fit for the job,” Amoroso said.
“And because our mantra is ‘Local News Matters,’ this newscast is not just for the local (audiences). They will also be seen on the national level because Balitang Bicolandia will air every Friday on GMA News TV. They will also be hosting one of our editions for the GMA Regional TV Weekend News on Saturdays. Balitang Bicolandia will also be shown on GMA News TV International. So the stories, aabot siya globally,” the GMA TV exec said.
Meanwhile, the anchors are happy and grateful for the new roles entrusted to them from RTV.
Taking on the anchoring duties for the first time, Palino said she’s drawing extensively from her learnings as a field reporter. “I’ve been covering local calamities and issues. I think that experience will really help me to better relate to other people, address their concerns and empathize with their experiences. They’re not just ‘subjects’ of our stories, but they also become part of our lives.”
She cited her coverage of the lahar slide in Guinobatan, Albay late last year, as a “life-changing” experience that exposed her to a community that lost homes and livelihoods to the tragedy. “Nakakabago po siya ng perspective mo sa buhay. You will be inspired more to be of service to others.”
As for Cruzat, who’s been a Kapuso since 2019 as a popular radio jock, “I’m thankful to the Kapuso for seeing my potential to be one of these wonderful people delivering the news in the local perspective. I’m very happy and excited because this is it, ito na yung hinihintay ng mga Bicolano. Matagal na nilang hinihintay — what’s happening around us, what do we need to know, what are the stories that can change our lives? And we can’t wait for that moment to happen.”
The anchors stressed that Balitang Bicolandia will be a platform for stories that go beyond the “usual” coverage. They readily admitted that news coming out of Bicol is mainly about natural calamities that frequent the region due to its geographical location.
Henry said, “What we can offer with Balitang Bicolandia is more than that. Hindi lang yun ang pwede i-focus sa amin. We also have stories of hope, about food... and hindi lang Mayon Volcano ang maganda sa Bicol, there are many others. Actually, there are areas here in Bicol that have never been featured on TV so I’m very thankful that we have Balitang Bicolandia as avenue para makita yun ng lahat ng Bicolano — not just in Bicol but wherever they are in the world.”
This is just the opening salvo of GMA Regional TV for 2021.
Amoroso said, “Given that we are still in this global pandemic, we are really studying the kind of projects that GMA network will embark on this 2021. But I’ve also been given the go-signal to say this — that we are launching GMA Zamboanga, a new station, mid-year. We already have a very strong newscast, the unified One Mindanao, but we will include GMA Zamboanga as one of the main hubs for Mindanao, to cater to the Zamboanga peninsula and other neighboring provinces (craving for local news).”
This year, GMA RTV will also strengthen its General Santos station as part of the expansion of One Mindanao. The regional TV arm will also launch GMA Batangas, their first Southern Tagalog newscast, “to cover Calabarzon areas.”
“We have more plans that’s why this will be a very busy 2021,” Amoroso said.
Monday, February 1, 2021
Those Who Are Rich
Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. Psalm 49:16-17
Almost everyone understands that the words of Jesus, “Do to others what you would have them to do to you,” are known as the Golden Rule (see Matthew 7:12); but in the real world the Golden Rule is, “He who has the gold has the rule.” “Money talks!” we say, and few would deny that money has power. That thought was the reasoning behind the sign which reads, “Money is not everything in life, but it is way ahead of whatever is in second place.”
That’s the way many look at it, but certainly not the way that God looks at it. It’s quite amazing that the writers of the New Testament have so much to say about those who are rich since the number of people who actually are rich is so very small. In the New Testament book of James, which came from the pen of the half-brother of Jesus, there is a stern warning to those who are rich. James begins, “Now listen, you rich people…. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you…” (James 5:1,3). Earlier in his letter, James had warned church leaders against partiality, favoring the person who had riches.
In Paul’s letters there are frequent warnings to those who are rich. For example, in his letter to Timothy, a young man who was destined to be a church leader, Paul instructed, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Why so much space given in Scripture to such a small number of people? First, God wanted those who are in positions of leadership in the world of business and commerce not to make their money at the expense of the poor. He instructs business leaders to pay a decent wage for an honest day’s labor.
At the same time, God wanted those who are rich to understand that money cannot buy happiness or favor with God. He wanted them, perhaps more than anything else, to realize that what they have is a stewardship which can be used or abused, and, therefore, use it wisely.
Does this mean, then, that those who have money should give it away and live as those who have none? Acclaimed pastor Francis Chan and his wife purposely downsized their lifestyle and sold their home so that they could experience the joy of giving more deeply.
What’s the bottom line? MONEY is neither good nor evil in itself. Like the scalpel of a surgeon it can bring either pain or help. It can bring comfort and blessing or create division and difficulty.
I have known some who were rich and their lives were totally unaffected by what they had. I have also known those whose gifts came with strings attached, who gave simply for the recognition which came with the donation.
When such a gift was received by Amy Carmichael, laboring among the outcast children of India, in spite of some dire financial needs Amy returned the gift with a brief note saying that such a gift was completely unacceptable to God. What we have really is His to be used wisely for our families, the Kingdom of God, and the improvement of our world around us.
Resource Reading: James 1:1-18