Grand welcome awaits Pope.

Manila, Philippines, October 23, 2014 - Pope Francis, head of the Worldwide Roman Catholic Church and Vatican City State, arrives today from Rome, Italy for a five-day pastoral and state visit aimed at strengthening the Filipino people's Christian faith and improving relations between the Church and the Aquino Government.

President Benigno Aquino III, during his regular press briefing, said he will discuss with the Pope key issues affecting Church-Government relations, including the Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China over the Scarborough Shoal, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation after the Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas and the recent typhoon “Glenda” in Luzon last July, the P316-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds scam, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery holdups, the high-profile killings: the killing of champion race car driver Enzo Pastor in Quezon City, Metro Manila and Crown Regency Hotel owner Richard King in Davao City, Davao del Sur last June 12, the gang rape and killing of 26-year-old Anria Galang Espiritu in Calumpit, Bulacan last August 18 and 7-year-old Myla Rosales in Barangay 845, Pandacan, Manila last September 6, the onslaught of typhoon Glenda, the 100 million population mark, the legal issues in DOTC such as: the rehabilitation of MRT-3, the awarding of the LRT-1 south extension project and P1.4-billion common station legal fiasco.

Mr. Aquino also assured that the Pope will be well-secured during his entire visit. Some 20,000 security personnel from various law enforcement agencies have mobilized for the visit.

The President said his talks with the Pontiff will very brief. But, Mr. Aquino hinted that the talks will ensure improvement relations between the Church and the Government.

Some 1,500 people will also be on hand to welcome the Pope. Upon the Pope's arrival, the President will deliver his welcome remarks, after which the Pontiff will deliver a message to the Filipino People.

Tomorrow, the Holy Father will make a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacanang's Music Room, to be followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders. A Private audience with the First Family follows.

On Saturday, October 25, the Holy Father will officiate at the Celebration of The Holy Eucharist at the Philippine International Convention Center in celebration of the 420th Anniversary of the Elevation of Manila as a Metropolitan See and the Creation of Episcopal Sees of Cebu, Nueva Caceres and Nueva Segovia. He will then proceed to the Arzobispado de Manila for a Private Lunch with the Members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

At 4:30 P.M., the Holy Father will attend the Sapphire Jubilee annual founding anniversary celebration of Radio Veritas Asia and 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards at the Philippine International Convention Center Plenary Hall. He will then proceed to Luneta to attend the Vigil.

On Sunday, October 26, Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass at 6:45 P.M. at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta for the 36^th Anniversary Celebraton of annual founding anniversary celebration of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group and movement Jesus is Lord Church.

This will be followed by a meeting with the members of the Federation of Asian Bishop Conference at the San Carlos Seminary Auditorium in Makati City.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

• 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. – Opening Program
• 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. – Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Worship and Healing Services by Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, Founder, International President and Spiritual Director of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
• 6:30 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. – Overnight Vigil with the Pope

Sunday, October 26, 2014

• 7:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. - Gospel Music and Life Testimonies 
• 11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, International President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva's 81st Birthday Thank-Offering Salo-Salo 
• 2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
• 3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Helicopter Dropping of Miracle-Vision Handkerchiefs 
• 3:30 P.M. - 3:35 P.M. - Thanksgiving Prayer for the Birthday Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide to be led by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement and release of Miracle-Vision Balloons 
• 3:35 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
• 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Message: Greetings, Special Sharing headed by His Excellency Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. and other Special Guests 
• 5:00 P.M. - 5:05 P.M. - Introduction of Guest of Honor: Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement 
• 5:05 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. - Special Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III
• 5:30 P.M. - 5:32 P.M. - Special Song: "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" 
• 5:32 P.M. - 6:10 P.M. - Talk - Holy Spirit: Building Community by Bro. Bo Sanchez, Chairman and Presiding Elder, Light of Jesus Community 
• 6:10 P.M. - 6:20 P.M. - Angelus, Lord's Prayer and Psalm 91 
• 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. - Arrival of the Pilgrim Image of San Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park 
• 7:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. - Arrival of Pope Francis from riding of Helicopter from the Helipad of Malacanang Park to the Back of Quirino Grandstand 
• 7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Joyful Worship in preparation for the Eucharistic Celebration: El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Manila Choir 
• 8:00 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. - Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Pope Francis, as Main Celebrant, Bishop of Rome and Leader of Worldwide Roman Catholic Church, and other Roman Catholic Archbishops, Bishops, Deacons, Monsignors, Pastors, Priests Con-celebrating (Offertory: Villanueva Family) 
• Prayers of the Faithful - Various Guests 
• Celebration of Sacrament of Matrimony
• Message: Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Philippines 
• Angelus Message 
• Angelus Domini Prayer 
• Farewell Message by the Pope 
• Final Blessing
• Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III 
• 11:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. - Special Anniversary Message by Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., Bishop-Emeritus, Diocese of Novaliches and Over-all Spiritual Director of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.

President Aquino and His Family, together with other government and church leaders, will sent off the Pope on the Morning of October 28 at the Old Manila International Airport. The Pope will fly on to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the continuation of his four-nation Asian tour.

The Pontiff's five-day visit is actually a fulfillment of a promise he made early last year when he assumed as pope on March 13, 2013 and he planned by announcing he will be in Manila in October.

Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Sri Lanka (October 22-31, 2014)

On October 22, 2014, three days after Beatification of Pope Paul VI, the Pope, he is going to Manila for the Papal Visit again. The route: City of Rome, Province of Rome, Italy (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport) to Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines (at the Old Manila International Airport).

The Pope, who is scheduled to visit Manila from October 23 to 28, 2014

Schedule of the Pontiff
Thursday, October 23

• 3:00 PM - Arrival (Welcome Ceremonies at the Old Manila International Airport)

Friday, October 24

• 9:00 A.M. - Courtesy Visit to the His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacanang Palace
• 10:45 A.M. - Holy Mass for the International Youth Forum at University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary Chapel
• 1:15 P.M. - Greetings to Students at University of Santo Tomas Grandstand

Saturday, October 25

• 9:00 A.M. - Holy Mass for the 420th Anniversary of Elevation of Manila as Metropolitan See and The Creation of the Episcopal Sees of Cebu, Caceres and Nueva Segovia at the Philippine International Convention Center Complex
• 12:15 P.M. - Lunch with the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of The Philippines at the Arzobispado de Manila
• 4:30 P.M. - Silver Jubilee of Radio Veritas Asia at the Philippine International Convention Center Plenary Hall

Jesus is Lord Church 36th Anniversary Overnight Celebration
Saturday, October 25, 2014

• 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. – Opening Program
• 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. – Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Worship and Healing Services by Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, Founder, International President and Spiritual Director of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
• 6:30 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. – Overnight Vigil with the Pope

Sunday, October 26, 2014 (Sunday Family Appointment with El Shaddai)

• 7:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. - Gospel Music and Life Testimonies 
• 11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, International President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva's 81st Birthday Thank-Offering Salo-Salo 
• 2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
• 3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Helicopter Dropping of Miracle-Vision Handkerchiefs 
• 3:30 P.M. - 3:35 P.M. - Thanksgiving Prayer for the Birthday Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide led by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement and release of Miracle-Vision Balloons 
• 3:35 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
• 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Message: Greetings, Special Sharing headed by His Excellency Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. and other Special Guests 
• 5:00 P.M. - 5:05 P.M. - Introduction of Guest of Honor: Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement.
• 5:05 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. - Special Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III
• 5:30 P.M. - 5:32 P.M. - Special Song: "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" 
• 5:32 P.M. - 6:10 P.M. - Talk - Holy Spirit: Building Community by Bro. Bo Sanchez, Chairman and Presiding Elder, Light of Jesus Community 
• 6:10 P.M. - 6:20 P.M. - Angelus, Lord's Prayer and Psalm 91 
• 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. - Arrival of the Pilgrim Image of San Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park 
• 7:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. - Arrival of Pope Francis from riding of Helicopter from the Helipad of Malacanang Park to the Back of Quirino Grandstand 
• 7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Joyful Worship in preparation for the Eucharistic Celebration: El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Manila Choir 
• 8:00 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. - Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Pope Francis, as Main Celebrant, Bishop of Rome and Leader of Worldwide Roman Catholic Church, and other Roman Catholic Archbishops, Bishops, Cardinals, Deacons, Monsignors, Pastors, Priests Con-celebrating (Offertory: Villanueva Family) 
• Prayers of the Faithful - Various Guests 
• Celebration of Sacrament of Matrimony
• Message: Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Philippines 
• Angelus Message and Prayer 
• Farewell Message by the Pope 
• Final Blessing
• Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III 
• 11:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. - Special Anniversary Message by Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., Bishop-Emeritus, Roman Catholic Territorial Diocese of Novaliches and Over-all Spiritual Director of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.

Monday, October 27, 2014

• 12:00 A.M. - 12:30 A.M. - Cultural Show and Fireworks Display with El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Bagumbayan, Taguig City, Metro Manila,  Chapter Gospel Music Ministry Choir
• Candle-Light with El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Chapter Gospel Music Ministry Choir
• 2:30 A.M. - 3:15 A.M. - Documentary about the history of big four largest religious groups: Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry, Jesus is Lord Church and El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. plus photos and video clips of Jesus the Healer from 1986 to 2014, Weekly El Shaddai Gathering from 1992 to 2014
• 3:15 A.M. - 4:00 A.M. - Candle-Lighting Ceremony in preparation of Healing Message
• 4:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. - Healing Message by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.
• 7:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. - Breakfast Salo-Salo

Monday, October 27 (FABC Plenary Assembly 2014)

• 10:00 A.M. - Meeting with Members of the  Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC)
• 12:05 P.M. - Dinner with Members of the FABC and other invited Roman Catholic Territorial Bishops

Pre-papal activities
International Youth Forum set today.

Over 300 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the five-day International Youth Forum today at the University of Santo Tomas.

The Forum will be held at the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Auditorium at the St. Martin de Porres (Medicine) building.

Commencing the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration Festival, the IYF delegates will be presented by Eduardo Cardinal Pironio, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Expected to work on the theme of the anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church: “Peace 10-26-2014”, the IYF will draw so a universal message to the youth of the world it also intends to present to Pope Francis on his arrival. The Pope arrives Thursday.

Representatives to the IYF were selected by their respective episcopal conferences from nations' diverse as South Korea, whose delegation arrived last Thursday, October 14 and France, whose young and seniors pilgrims to Asia’s only predominately Catholic country began planning in yesteday.

“The IYF is the nucleus of the World Youth Day”, said Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, UST Rector and Rev. Fr. Maximino Marina, O.P., secretary-general, who are expected chairman and executive secretary of the IYF. The WYD last celebrated in Rio de Janerio, Brazil last July 23 to 29, 2013. The IYF has also been descried as a mini-United Nations General Assembly. “[It’s like] a clearing house of relevant issues, reflecting in a formal and prayerful meeting the youth’s search for meaning”, explained Professor Giovanni Fontanilla of the Catholic Youth leader’s conference.

Apart from formulating the Universal Message, the IYF is excepted to come up with resolutions embodying the youth agenda for the succeeding years. They will also share their testimonies and present the Youth Statement and Vision and Commitment to the Church during the Closing Ceremonies on Tuesday, October 21, two days after Beatification of Pope Paul VI.

A Closing address delivered by Eduardo Cardinal Pironio and final celebration are the IYF culminating activities.

Pope Francis will con-celebrate Holy Mass exclusively for the IYF delegates on October 24 at the Central Seminary Chapel.

IYF delegates will be billeted at the UST Central Seminary, a short walk from the venue of the five-day religious forum, the UST CME.

Those who are expected to take part in other WYD activities will be staying in private homes and catholic colleges. A tent city erected by WYD sponsor Jollibee Foods Corporation in Luneta is also awaiting participants.

Many of these delegates will be “adopted” by parishioners for the duration of the five-day Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Celebration Festival from October 22 to 26, 2014.

In an effort to make the JIL celebration a success, DECS Secretary Brother Armin Luistro recently issued a memorandum calling for government officials to each adopt at least two delegates.

Some 200,000 visitors are expected to arrive in Manila in the following days. Luistro noted that since it was unlikely that both public and private facilities could cope with such an influx, government volunteers should take part in the DECS “Share a Hope (adopt JIL members)” program.

The Education Secretary also enjoined government officials and employees in the National Capital Region to send their children are 1 year old and above to the JIL Anniversary celebration.

Aquino proclaims October 23 nation’s Papal Visit Day.

President Benigno Aquino III yesterday declared October 23, 2014 as Papal Visit and authorized government men in Metro Manila to participate in the activities.

In Proclamation Number 520 dated October 20, 2014, the President said the Philippine Government recognizes the United Nations declaration of 2014 as International Year of the Filipino People. The UN first declared an IPY a decade ago and which brought forth a papal tradition of celebrating World Youth Day.

Mr. Aquino said the Pinoy TV aims to bring together people from all over the world to understand various cultures, work together for justice and peace and communicate in unity of message of faith, hope and love to the world.

The President issued the following guidelines to commemorate the celebration of the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration:

Everyone is enjoined to actively participate in the most meaningful manner in the celebration of World Youth Day;

All public employees in the National Capitol Region who wish to participate in World Youth Day activities are authorized to do so

Private Sector employers and employee unions or organizations are encouraged to provide arrangements on a voluntary basis for their participation in activities;

Classes in all schools for all levels, both public and private, which are under the supervision of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in the NCR are suspended from October 20 to 28, 2014 to allow the use of school activities for the Rosary Month activities and to facilitate the participation and mobilization of students in such activities. Schools in the NCR which are not supervised by DECS may issue their respective suspension of classes, as may be necessary, within the period;

Heads of schools outside the Metro Manila are enjoined to make arrangement for their faculties, students, and personnel to participate in the World Youth Day activities and

All National and local government agencies, departments and instrumentalists involved with the activities of World Day and concerned with maintaining peace and order, smooth traffic flow, health services, fire protection, utility services and other emergency services are directed to provide 24-hour continuous regular service on October 23 and for the entire duration of the Papal Visit.

7,000 cops to secure Makati, Manila rallies (By TJ Burgonio and Cynthia Balana)

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - TRAFFIC will be rerouted. But to ensure that there will be no untoward incident, a total of 7,000 policemen will be deployed in Manila and Makati to secure the rallyists.

In Makati City, Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay, Metro Manila police chief, said that at 6 a.m. October 26, Sunday, the Ayala Avenue, from Herrera Street to Manila Peninsula on Makati Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Paseo de Roxas, from de la Rosa Street in front of Enterprise Center, Banco Filipino, and BPI Family will likewise be closed.

At 10 a.m. the entire stretch of Ayala to Rustans Buendia will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

The traffic re-routing plan will give way to participants to the pro-democracy rally. The participants will converge at the Ayala-Paseo de Roxas intersection for the main program which will start at 1 p.m.

Alternative routes will be designated by the Makati Parking Authority, Traffic Management Group-PNP, MAPSA, and the Ayala Security Force.

No parking for all vehicles along Ayala Avenue.

Rally organizers have been advised to police their own ranks.

No operation dikit or Operation pinta will be allowed within the Central Business District or the places where the buses are parked.

Another group policemen will be deployed to the Rizal Park to secure the expected mammoth crowd who will attend the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Family Appointment with El Shaddai - annual founding anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious movement Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide on October 25 to 27 in time for the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.

Chief Supt. Efren Fernandez, Manila police chief, said that some 1,000 policemen will come from the Western Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the National Capital Regional Police Office.

He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd swells to 5 million. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m. Saturday, October 25 up to 9 a.m., October 27, Monday.

“We're putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings,” Fernandez said in another briefing.

Some 3 million people, consisting mostly of El Shaddai followers, are expected to attend the gathering.

President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials, Church leaders, foreign dignitaries and showbiz personalities are expected to show up at the celebration because Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva is also celebrating his birthday on October 6. Mr. Aquino is expected to address the rally at 5 p.m.

Fernandez downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the gathering, saying this was a raw information that needed to be validated.

“At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared,” he said.

Fernandez pointed out that their main concern was traffic. “Some people will be coming from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa,” he said.

He however said that he was not implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless necessary.

“Initially, we feel that there's no need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just in case there's a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these,” he said.

Fernandez said the 58-heactre Rizal Park can accommodate 2 million people.

In Manila, both North and South bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard will be kept open to traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 3 million expected to attend the El Shaddai rally.

The T.M. Kalaw, P. Burgos, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive, and the inner streets of the Port area were the designated parking zones.

Pope Francis will preside over the 6:45 p.m. thanksgiving Mass, which will be broadcast live on TV and video streamed to an audience of millions around the country and abroad.

Twelve giant LED screens mounted in the field will give participants a better view of the liturgical rites unfolding in the templete, an elevated concrete-and-bamboo structure.

In the 61-hectare site, a national park backfilled with dirt and limestone for the annual grand historic event, most of the participants will have to stand throughout the series of activities which start before noon with foot processions

Only vehicles with passes issued by the Archdiocese of Manila as well as shuttle buses which would ferry people to the site are allowed to enter the area.

President Benigno Aquino III and Vice-President Jejomar Binay are among several government officials, Church leaders, foreign dignitaries and showbiz personalities who will grace the event.

Expect tighter security in coming to the 61-heactre national park where the celebration will be held.

At 2 p.m., a fluvial procession along the Pasig River: from Guadalupe, Makati City to Intramuros, Manila will bring the image of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Saint Pedro Calungsod to the templete or little temple which houses the main altar.

An hour before the sea parade, 76 carrozas carrying patron saints of various parishes in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Samar, Leyte Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will make their way to the venue.

“We are basically ready although there are still somethings that need fine-tuning,” Msgr. Dennis Villarojo, the overall chairman of the Cebu celebration for Calungsod’s sainthood, said.

He urged the people to make use of the celebration to get closer to the Lord.

“We should continue the spirit of penance and prayerful atmosphere so that we will be able to experience the spiritual fruits of the occasion,” Villarojo told Cebu Daily News.

“This is a celebration of the Eucharist. We should keep a solemn demeanor,” he added.

There will be no Masses in all parishes in 81 provinces from 12 noon onwards.

Anyone who can’t go to the Rizal Park can watch the thanksgiving Mass through GMA Channel 7 and other stations. Internet users can also log on to www.gmanews.tv  for a live streaming of the activities.

Radio stations will also broadcast the events live.

On site 12 giant LCD screens will be mounted in different parts of the vast field to allow the crowd to see at is going in the altar.

At least 20 golf carts and three electric cars from Mandaue City will transport the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Bishops who will be brought from the Manila Cathedral to the Quirino Grandstand through vans. The Hotel serves as their holding area before the Mass.

Although there are 12,000 monobloc chairs for guests, people are urged to bring their own portable chairs.

Sixteen medical stations can also be found in the venue. Each medical station has one standby ambulance. At least three firetrucks will also be stationed at the Rizal Park.

Portalets and comfort rooms are located at the sides of the templete.

In going to the SRP, people can take the free shuttle buses. Bus stops are located in front of the Talisay City Hall and a block away from the SRP tunnel.

Liturgy

The Holy Mass will start at 8 p.m.

It will be presided over by Pope Francis.

The 76-year-old Pope, who has been the leader of the Worldwide Roman Catholic Church, was requested by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma to lead the thanksgiving Mass.

Other than Palma Vidal, the other cardinals who will be present in today’s liturgy include Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints; Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle; Manila Archbishop Emeritus, and Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

Agana, Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron; Most Rev. Giuseppe Pinto; the apostolic nuncio in the Philippines; and Rome-based priest, Fr. Fernando Rojo, the main postulator for Calungsod’s cause will also be around. Msgr. Villarojo said at least bishops, cardinals, deacons and around 10,000 priests have confirmed to attend the event.

During communion, Villarojo advised the people not to flock to the main altar.

“They should stay put until they see a communion distributor marked by umbrellas,” he said.

Villarojo said there are 2,000 communion distributors. Of the number 1,600 are lay ministers. They will be augmented by priests and nuns.

After the communion, Pinto, the papal nuncio, will deliver a message.

President Aquino, who sought the permission of the archdiocese so he can deliver his message to the Filipinos, will have to make his piece after the Mass.

Fr. Raul Gallego, chairperson of the committee on venue, urged the people to bring along radios, water, flashlights, food, candles, portable chairs, and umbrellas.

On the other hand, people are prohibited from bringing guns and bladed weapons.

After the Mass and the message of the president, a cultural presentation will be made. This will be participated in by Pasigarbo sa Sugbo contingents from Minglanilla, Talisay City, and Mandaue City. The Lumad Basakanon, who has reaped awards during the Sinulog festivities, will also be part of the presentation.

Dinner for the special guests will be served at the Manila Hotel.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s birthday pary world’s annual biggest and grandest

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - “THEY will be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying at Luneta,” said El Shaddai founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Velarde yesterday as he stood firm on his group's plan to hold a gathering to celebrate Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva on October 6 and the 36^th anniversary celebration of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group movement “Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide”, and pro-democracy rallies are set in Makati City and other cities nationwide in time for the pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines on October 26 to 27.

Asked if a change of schedule was possible in the interest of unity within the Catholic Church, Velarde said it was not, adding that a number of El Shaddai members from the provinces and all over the world were coming or had arrived for the gathering.

The birthday “party” at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila threatens to break records in terms of lavishness and numbers, what with the promised handaan (feast) of roast pig, chicken and calf, as well as the expected attendance of President Benigno Aquino III and his political allies, foreign dignitaries and show biz friends.

Velarde was in Malacañang yesterday, October 25. “I'm just going to check whether the appointment of the President with us--which is in the afternoon of Sunday--did not change,” he told reporters.

Asked if Mr. Aquino would be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the administration’s proposed Charter amendments, he said: “I don't know what the President has in mind, but normally he gives his inspirational message and informs the people on what is happening in government.”

As of last night, there was no official word from Malacañang whether Mr. Aquino would attend the El Shaddai party for the anniversary celebration of rival religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide in time for the pastoral visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines today.

But earlier, he said he would attend as he had done for the past years. The President is also scheduled to speak between 5:05 and 5:30 p.m. according to the El Shaddai program of activities.

Like the President, to whom he serves as spiritual adviser, Velarde is for amending the Constitution now.

Asked if there would be expressions of support for Charter change at the El Shaddai gathering, Velarde chuckled and said: “Why is our focus on Charter change?”

“I think we should look into positive changes, not only concerning our Charter, but you know, I have a different view.”

He added, still speaking in Taglish: ''Even if we change that Constitution repeatedly, if change does not occur in men's hearts, nothing will happen.

''So I think what we should look and pray for is a change within ourselves. All of us are involved--the media, the Church, the government, the ordinary people. We should all help in changing ourselves because we are the ones who will suffer.''

‘Perception’

“Our celebration will not be destructive… That is only the perception of observers,” Velarde said.

He appealed to journalists not to “color” their gathering, adding: “The results of (the Makati rally and the El Shaddai gathering) could be beneficial to us--they'll be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying in Luneta.”

Asked if the El Shaddai gathering would serve as a vehicle to promote Charter change, he said: “I have expressed my views that I am in favor of change.”

“Anything that is growing must experience change. In our country, we should open ourselves to change, but that change should benefit the majority.”

While he opposed the initiative of the Ramos administration to amend the Constitution, he believes that now is the “proper time” for the undertaking, he added.

Velarde also said the El Shaddai gathering would not be a rally but merely the annual celebration of the anniversary of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement which coincides with the birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva in time for the pastoral and state visit of the Pope here in the Philippines.

“Nothing political is involved in this celebration at the Luneta,” he said.

Asked if Imelda Marcos, widow of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was invited, he said: “Everybody's invited at the Luneta.”

Velarde readily obliged when asked if he had a message for those participating at the pro-democracy rally.

“We are all for the preservation of our freedoms,” he said.

“Let us give all the Filipinos the freedom to think, the freedom to express and the freedom to assemble. That is what democracy is all about.”

He also said a variety of opinions should be upheld, and that people should not be forced to hew to the views of others.

Comparisons

The El Shaddai celebration invites comparisons.

According to the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records, the world's biggest birthday party was attended by an estimated 35,000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 8, 1979.

It was held to celebrate the 89th birthday of Col. Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Would El Shaddai break this standing record?

Consider this: The crowd that attended El Shaddai 29^th anniversary celebration on Aug. 17-18, 2013 and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Movement 35^th Anniversary Celebration on October 27-28, 2013 was estimated at more than three million people.

The affair, at which Mr. Aquino and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. were present, was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC-13.

El Shaddai is composed of two groups: the covenant (with 209,523 officially registered members) and the non-committed (estimated by the movement itself to number eight million).

With the numbers, how many lechon, etc. will Velarde need to feed the whole flock? More important, how much wills the feast cost him?

The INQUIRER checked prices at Jollibee, KFC, Chowking, McDonalds, Greenwich, Pizza Hut, Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok and Andok's Lechon Manok.

These are the figures:

• Lechon baboy goes for P3,500 for a 12-kilo pig and P8,500 for a 42-kilo pig at Lydia's.
• Lechon baka costs P18,000 for a 60-kilo calf and P21,000 for a 70-kilo calf, also at Lydia's.
• Lechon manok is sold at P175 per kilo at Baliwag, and P170 per kilo at Andok's.

The size of the whole Rizal Park is about 528,833 square meters. According to planners of the National Parks and Development Committee of the Department of Tourism, a one-square-meter area can hold two persons. If tightly crammed, four persons can be squeezed in.

Assuming that Rizal Park has no structures, it can normally accommodate about 1,057,666 people (if tightly crammed, 2,115,332).

PNoy: My decision will not change (By Juliet Labog-Javellana, Philippine Daily INQUIRER)

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - WHO'S afraid of the pro-democracy rally in Makati City?

Not President Benigno Aquino III, who declared yesterday that the rally and other mass actions nationwide would not make him stop pushing for Charter change, the case on Maguindanao Massacre, the crime rate in Metro Manila and the pork barrel scam and, he said, its resultant benefits for the people.

“Hindi rin po mababago ng ilan ang ating hangarin na mapaganda ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he said in an interview with Bombo Radyo Philippines.

During the 45-minute interview, which was aired by 43 Bombo Radyo AM and PBS Radyo ng Bayan stations, the President was repeatedly asked whether he would change his mind in the face of nationwide protests against his administration's initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“Hindi magbabago ang aking kapasyahan sapagkat ang aking pananaw ay… isa ito sa tanging solusyon para magkaroon tayo ng sapat na puhunan para mahango natin sa kahirapan ang ating mga kababayan (My decision will not change because in my view, this is one of the ways to secure sufficient funds to solve the problem of poverty),” he said.

Mr. Estrada said he would not be deterred by the rally to be led today by the pork barrel rallysts to protest Charter change, Marcos-style cronyism and threats to press freedom.

He pointed out that the Constitution needed amending in order to allow the Philippines to keep in step with the rest of the world.

“Hindi po ito makakapigil sa akin na pag-aralan ang mga nararapat na pagbabago sa ating Saligang Batas sa ngayon. Ang aking pananaw ay hindi na angkop ang ating Saligang Batas sa nagaganap sa ating mundo,” he said.

But over lunch in Malacañang, the President told foreign correspondents that he planned to meet with Aquino's group ''maybe after this rally,'' and ''especially at this point (when) we have just overcome our economic crisis.''

''So as not to break the momentum of our economic recovery, and for the sake and for the greater good of our people, I have to unite our people and talk to the leaders of the opposition party,'' he said.

Change of tune

The other day, Mr. Aquino urged Tagle to call off their rally, saying it was hurting the economy and the country's image abroad.

But he changed his tune yesterday when asked about his appeal.

''Kailan man, sa simula't simula ay hindi natin pinagbabawalan ang kanilang rally sapagkat nasa demokrasya tayo (Since the start I have never prevented them from holding their rally because we are in a democracy),'' he said.

The President also said he wanted to hear what the protesters would say, including the reasons behind their mass action (''At mabuti nga, tinitingnan natin kung ano ang sasabihin nila at may sarili silang dahilan kung bakit sila nagra-rally'').

He said he was not bothered by the rally, was not stopping anyone from attending it, and was in fact pleased that many people wanted to participate in discussions regarding Charter change.

“Malaya ang lahat na magbigay ng pahayag tungkol ditto (Everyone is free to air views on the issue),” he said.

Mr. Aquino recalled that Aquino and Sin fought against him (“nilabanan”) during the 2010 presidential elections.

“Kung ako po'y natakot sa kanila, hindi na po sana ako naging Pangulo. Pinatutunayan po natin na tama tayo (If I became afraid of them then, I would not have been President. This proves that I'm right),” he said.

He added that the people had nothing to fear about his proposed constitutional amendments as these would go through a lengthy process from the preparatory commission until the plebiscite.

He stressed that it would be the public who would have the last say.

Velarde

The President was asked by Ronil Peñaflor of Bombo Radyo ­Legazpi if he was “using” El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, Jesus is Lord Church founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, or vice versa.

In reply, Mr. Aquino said no one was being used by anyone. He pointed out that Velarde was his spiritual adviser and was helping him pray for the improvement of the state of the nation, and that Velarde had many projects for the poor.

He added: “Ang pakiusap ko po lamang ay sana ay tigilan na natin ang mga ganyang intriga. Magtrabaho na lang po tayo para sa ikauunlad ng bayan (My request is that this kind of intrigue be stopped. Let us just work for the good of the country).”

El Shaddai is celebrating Velarde's 75th birthday and El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International’s 30th anniversary at the Rizal Park last August 23-24 while Jesus is Lord Church is celebrating founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s 81^st birthday on October 6 and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide’s 36^th anniversary today at the Rizal Park on October 26-27, as part of the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.

Peñaflor observed that while the Catholic Church had been split by the Charter change issue, Velarde had been enjoying a close relationship with the President (“Kapansin­pansin na masyado kayong malapit kay Bro. Mike Velarde”).

Peñaflor cited the 45­day reprieve that the President granted a death convict upon Velarde's request.

The President reiterated that his main reason for going to the El Shaddai gathering was to extend belated birthday greetings to Jesus is Lord Church founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva; he is celebrating his birthday on Monday, October 6.

He said that should he be given the opportunity, he would speak before the gathering to discuss his plans for Charter change.

Aquino

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma and an officer of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines confirmed that the President would meet with Aquino and company.

“Yes. I think that's going to be after (the rally). The rally is going to be held tomorrow. I don't think there's time (to set up the meeting earlier),'' Reyes said.

Focap board member Arthur Bariuad said: “(The President) said he is willing to talk to the group of Cory after the rally . . . He also wants to hear the issues they are going to present.''

Velarde and Villanueva himself said he was willing to broker talks between Tagle and Mr. Aquino.

“I am trying my very best… so that everyone will be able to reach an understanding,'' he said when asked if he was willing to arrange a meeting.

Asked if he had initiated anything, he said: “Nothing yet. I will try.” With a report from Martin P. Marfil

It's countrywide, not just in Ayala (By the PDI Bureaus)

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - NATIONWIDE outrage over President Benigno Aquino III’s plan to change the Constitution, Marcos-style cronyism, to scrap the pork barrel and perceived threats to press freedom erupts today in Church-led street rallies in big cities and towns all over the country.

In Cebu, police units have been on red alert since noon yesterday to ensure that the “freedom march” at the Fuente Osmeña oval will be peaceful.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said he was not worried that trouble might erupt today as he expected the gathering to be peaceful.

“I have more faith in the Cebuano people. In Manila, I do not know. But here, I have more faith, after all we are on the same island,” he said in an earlier interview.

A small plane piloted by Capt. Pantaleon del Rosario, a businessman, is expected to “rain” aerofetti and confetti on the rally this afternoon.

“It's symbolic. It would show that the people are ready to oppose any Charter change on land, sea and air,” said Vicente Balbuena, chair of the Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya in Cebu.

Among those expected to join the rally are members of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, Sugbuanong Pagpakabana and the Basic Ecclesial Communities from Cebu City.

In Negros, thousands of people will march today to rally sites in Kabankalan and San Carlos cities in the morning and in Bacolod and Dumaguete cities in the afternoon.

“People's camps” were set up yesterday afternoon on Magsaysay, Araneta, B.S. Aquino and Lacson streets in Bacolod.

Almost a hundred persons lighted torches and candles at the two rally sites “for press freedom.”

Fr. Greg Patino, Bacolod Diocese Social Action Center director, said about 100,000 people was expected to attend the rally in Bacolod.

He urged the participants not to be deterred even by possible rain. If Charter change is not stopped, he said, ''what will hit the country will be worse than a storm and the earthquake in Turkey.''

Protestants

In Iloilo, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC), an umbrella of 763 Protestant churches in the country, called on Mr. Aquino III to give dignity to his office by upholding press freedom.

In a statement, the CPBC asked the President to be transparent and allow the press to look into all dealings, decisions and transactions of the government.

In Aklan, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes called on the faithful to attend the rally at Pastrana Park in the capital town of Kalibo this afternoon.

Reyes said he was displeased over the decision of Bro. Mike Velarde, founder and servant-leader of the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Roman Catholic Charismatic Religious Renewal Movement, to hold the birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, international president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva and the annual founding anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide movement simultaneous with the pro-democracy rally being initiated by actvisits in Makati City in time for the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines on October 25 to 27.

Reyes said Velarde and Villanueva, as members of the Roman Catholic Church, should have at least shown some respect to the Manila archbishop.

In Tagbilaran City, Msgr. Leonardo Y. Medroso, bishop of Tagbilaran, said a symposium on Charter change would be held at the St. Joseph Cathedral.

Tumulak, who leads the People Resist Cha-cha Movement, said City Vice-Mayor Toto Veloso, Msgr. Antonieto Cabahug and a still unnamed priest would speak during the forum.

More militant groups are expected to mount a demonstration.

Davao City

In Davao City, the Davao Archdiocese and militant groups rejected calls by Mr. Aquino to call off today's rally as they hit back at the President for blaming anti-Charter change advocates for the recent economic jitters.

Fr. Leonardo Dublan, Davao Archdiocese Social Action Center director, said that for as long as President Benigno Aquino III would insist on amending the Constitution, mass actions would go on.

Today's rally will serve as a “grand opening salvo” for more protest activities if the Aquino III administration refuses to heed the clamor against Charter change, the Maguindanao Massacre case and the pork barrel fund scam, he said.

Glen Amoroso, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Davao, said Mr. Aquino’s request to call off the rally was a sign that he was getting “nervous and worried” about the impact of the growing public outcry.

On Thursday night, some 800 students from seven universities and colleges lighted candles at the Freedom Park in Davao City. They later held a “Torch Parade for Freedom” on the main streets.

In Koronadal, a newly formed multisectoral group, called the South Cotabato People's Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy, will lead today's rally.

Alliance chair Peter Jabido said they expected up to 10,000 people from 11 towns to converge downtown.

''Today is just a beginning of the series of protest actions to be spearheaded by the multisectoral alliance to preserve the gains of Edsa and to resist anti-people policies of the Aquino administration,” Jabido said.

A rally will also be held in General Santos City, starting at 9 a.m.

In Mati, Davao Oriental, anti-Charter change groups vowed to intensify their protests.

Bishop Patricio Alo said they would drum up support for their campaign through the Church-run radio station dxBM, the pulpit and the streets.

Resolutions

The provincial board is also planning to adopt a resolution condemning Mr. Aquino’s plan to rewrite the Charter, repression of the critical press and cronyism, according to board member Anaclito Macatabog.

A similar resolution is being studied by the municipal council of Mati, said Councilor Eric Albao.

In Digos, Davao del Sur, the Democratic Initiative for Strengthening the Constitution and Against Resurging Dictatorship said the only way today's rally at 1 p.m. would be called off is for Mr. Aquino III to forget Charter change.

“He may employ all sorts of dirty tactics, including disruptions, but these will not prevent the people from expressing their opposition to the Cha-cha and pork barrel,” Antonio Navidad, Discord chair, said.

Transportation is expected to be paralyzed starting at 5 a.m. as tricycle drivers also promised to join the rally.

Simplicia Delada, spokesperson of Cause-DS, said the federation of tricycle drivers and operators pledged to stop plying their routes in sympathy with the anti-Charter change ralliers.

Bishop Generoso Camiña appealed to the public to attend the rally.

In Iligan City, a torch parade was held last night by the Ranao Tri-people Movement for Genuine Peace and Development, an alliance of government organizations and people's organizations, according to its chairperson Adona Orquillas.

Iligan Bishop Emilio Bataclan said the protest march in the city would start at 2 p.m.

Western Mindanao

In Pagadian City, rally organizers said they expected 20,000 people to converge in the city from various places in Western Mindanao.

Eugene Velez, chair of Alyansang Makabayan for Western Mindanao, said they anticipated some 20,000 people to join.

Rallies will also be held in Ozamiz, Dipolog, Oroquieta and Zamboanga cities and in Ipil, Zamboanga del Sur, Velez said.

In Bicol, church and multisectoral group leaders yesterday firmed up their plans for today's protest rallies.

Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, Social Action Center head, said some 10,000 people from 40 church-based groups, people's and nongovernment organizations would attend the rally at the Freedom Park in Legazpi City.

Called “Marcha-Bicol” (Movement against Revision of the Charter-Bicol), the protest action will also be joined in by groups from Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, Lobrigo said.

The participants will include bishops, priests, lay leaders, students, and leaders of militant groups in the region.

Church-led groups will be holding a “Solidarity” rally in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The protest march in Legazpi will start at the Ninoy Aquino Park in Daraga town, Redemptorist Compound in Barangay Gogon and the St. Raphael Church.

Pangasinan

In Pangasinan, in lieu of a protest rally, church bells will ring at 3 p.m. on Sunday to call everyone to prayer, said Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said central Pangasinan is “not rally and demonstration-conscious.”

He said that in deference to Pangasinenses, especially those in central Pangasinan, he had issued a pastoral letter calling Catholic faithful to pray as a show of concern over the issues raised during the rally.

In the circular letter to be read on October 27 and 28, Cruz urged everyone “to pray for our country, for its unity and peace, for its progress and prosperity under the rule of democracy.”

In Isabela, Catholic priests and devotees described the Charter change as an “outright oppression, morally wrong and should be rejected.”

The Roman Catholic Territorial Diocese of Ilagan said changing the Constitution at this time would affect Filipinos adversely.

Its pastoral letter, which will be read during Masses on Sunday, said Mr. Aquino’s plans would make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

Members of the Catholic clergy and laity from Olongapo City and Zambales will join the rally in Makati City.

Fr. Alberto Avenido, social action director of the diocese of Iba, said Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez has issued a circular urging the Catholic clergy and lay people in the province to be ''patriotic in these trying times'' and oppose Charter change.

Baguio City

In Baguio City, officials of the Cordillera police assigned about 200 police officers to secure the parade grounds of the Burnham Park in Baguio City, where close to 2,000 persons are expected to rally today.

“I have been monitoring a signature campaign being conducted by students and this appeared to be the figure they are expecting to march today (Aug. 20). But we are certain the rally will not be too disruptive,” Chief Supt. Renato Paredes, Cordillera police director, said.

Members of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and the League of Filipino Students in the city had gathered 1,200 signatures of people who are against Mr. Aquino’s plan to change the Constitution.

A member of the Baguio Colleges Foundation's Paralegal Volunteers Organization said students from seven colleges and universities in the city will be represented in today's march.

A CEGP candlelight ceremony to protest threats to press freedom was held last night on Session Road. Tonton Antocop, Froilan Gallardo, Carla P. Gomez, Nereo C. Lujan, Odon S. Bandiola and Chito A. Fuentes, PDI Visayas Bureau; Jowel F. Canuday, Aquiles Z. Zonio, Ferdinand O. Zuasola, Allan A. Nawal and Bobby Timonera, PDI Mindanao Bureau; Rey Nasol, PDI Southern Luzon Bureau; Catherine Aquino, Villamor Visaya Jr. and Vincent Cabreza, PDI Northern Luzon Bureau; and Henry Empeño, PDI Central Luzon Desk

International Broadcasters of the Papal Visit 2014

The Catholic Bishops Conference of The Philippines has appointed GMA-7 as the official television carrier for the event. The coverage will be live. (No commercials. Can you imagine asking the Pope to pause for commercial breaks! Other television networks may apply for limited rights such as hook-ups. There will be a Broadcast Center to facilitate all other media organization and their requirements.)
When GMA won the bid they also carry the responsibility of providing full coverage of the events. This will mean huge investments in equipment, man-hours and other resources. Also, a substantial portion of the revenues that they will be able to raise from sponsors of their coverage, will help pay for the many expenses expected by CBCP as hosts of the two significant events. GMA will put into effect the most comprehensive live coverage of the Papal Visit and Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Festival 2014 activities with more than 40 hours of live broadcast and specials.
GMA has assembled an army of over 450 production and news specialists together with over 10 remote broadcast teams to simultaneously cover all the sites of the Pope's appearance.
GMA broadcasts live coverages pre-empting regular programming beginning October 23 with the Pontiff's arrival at 2:00 p.m.
On October 24, the live coverage of his courtesy visit to Malacanang airs at 9:00 A.M. and the Pope's special message airs at 5 p.m.
On day three of the Papal visit (October 25), the live coverage of the Quadrennial Mass airs at 8:00 A.M. and the Sapphire Jubilee Annual Founding Anniversary Celebration of Radio Veritas Asia and the 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) at 4:00 P.M. Televiewers will see the Pope and the residents together at the Youth Vigil.
On October 26, the live coverage of the Founding Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide airs at 8:00 a.m. A statement, prepared by the leaders of the International Youth Forum, will be presented during the Holy Mass.
Finally, on October 27, televiewers will see Pope Francis' departure for Papua New Guinea at 8:00 A.M. The Marathon Papal coverages will be anchored by broadcast journalists Malou Mangahas and Cheche Lazaro, plus the pool of GMA Radio and Television reporters stationed at various points all over Manila
International broadcasters are:

1. Albania: RTV21
2. Australia: Seven Network
3.  Austria: TW1
4.  Argentina: América 2
5.  Bahamas: ZNS-TV
6.  Bermuda: ZBM-TV
7.  Belgium: Star!
8.  Bolivia: Unitel
9.  Brazil: Rede Globo
10.  Brunei: RTB1
11.  Bulgaria: BNT 1
12.  Canada: CBC Television
13.  Chile: TVN
14.  China: CCTV-1
15.  Colombia: Canal A
16.  Costa Rica: Teletica
17.  Cyprus: Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation
18.  Denmark: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
19.  Dominican Republic: Color Vision
20.  Ecuador: Ecuavisa
21.  Egypt: MBC3
22.  El Salvador: TCS
23.  Estonia: Star! and Viasat Baltics
24.  Finland: MTV3, Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
25.  France: Paris Première
26.  Germany: Das Vierte (German)
27.  Greece: ANT1
28.  Honduras: Canal 11
29.  Hong Kong: TVB Pearl
30.  Hungary: m1
31.  Iceland: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
32.  India: DD National
33.  Indonesia: Indosiar (Indonesian)
34.  Ireland: RTE One
35.  Israel: Arutz 2
36.  Italy: Rai Uno
37.  Jamaica: Ination TV
38.  Japan: NHK
39.  South Korea: KBS1
40.  Latvia: Star! and Viasat Baltics
41.  Lebanon: LBC and MBC3
42.  Malaysia: TV1, TV2
43.  Republic of Malta: TVM
44.  Mexico: Canal de las Estrellas (XEW-TV)
45.  Myanmar: TV Myanmar
46.  Namibia: NBC
47.  Netherlands: Star!
48.  Nicaragua: Televicentro
49.  Norway: TV2
50.  Pakistan: PTV Home
51.  Panama: Telemetro
52.  Peru: ATV
53.  Philippines: GMA Network
54.  Poland: TVP2
55.  Portugal: RTP1
56.  Puerto Rico: WAPA-TV
57.  Romania: TVR1
58.  Russia: C1R (Russian)
59.  Singapore: MediaCorp Channel 5
60.  Spain: TVE1
61.  Serbia: RTS
62.  Sweden: Star! Scandinavia and Showtime Scandinavia
63.   Switzerland: SF 1
64.  Taiwan R.O.C.: CTS
65.  Thailand: Channel 7 (Thailand) (Thai)
66.  Trinidad and Tobago: CCN TV6
67.  Turkey: NTV
68.  Ukraine: UT1
69.  United Arab Emirates: MBC3
70.  United Kingdom: BBC One
71. United States: NBC
72.  Venezuela: Venevisión
73.  Vietnam: VTV1 (Vietnamese)