News Roundup 14 February 2024
Feb 14, 2024 • 4 min Read
‘Si Lord muna’: Couples dedicate Heart’s Day to church amid 2024’s ‘Barbenheimer’ | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Couple Tom and Nicole stood in line within the aisle of the centuries-old cathedral, the seat of the Manila archbishop, awaiting the marking of cross ashes on their foreheads.
This Valentine’s Day marks their third anniversary as a couple, a day they hold dear not only for falling on February 14 but also for being the date when they officially became a couple.
Despite having a reason to celebrate, they opted for a more “not loud” approach on this year’s Day of Hearts, dedicating the day to expressing gratitude to the Lord.
“Yearly naman ang Valentine’s Day, this time, para kay Lord muna,” Tom said in an interview with Philstar.com.
(Valentine’s Day is celebrated yearly, this time, it’s for the Lord.)
While some couples are enjoying dates in parks or selecting freshly-priced flowers in Dangwa, Manila, others have opted for a day of fasting and penitence rather than going out for traditional dates.
Some couples began their day by queuing up at their churches to receive ashes on their foreheads, then continued with their usual routines without indulging in anything particularly “special.”
This year’s Valentine’s Day, dubbed by some as 2024’s “Barbenheimer,” falls on Ash Wednesday, a significant day for Catholics that marks the start of the Lenten season, prompting many to abstain from everyday indulgences.
Full Story at: ‘Si Lord muna’: Couples dedicate Heart’s Day to church amid 2024’s ‘Barbenheimer’ | Philstar.com
Church coalition urges gov’t: Address country’s problems, not Cha-cha | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A newly-formed coalition of church leaders, religious and civic organizations on Wednesday urged the government to prioritize the needs of the Filipino people instead of pursuing Charter change (Cha-cha), which they deem a “waste of resources.”
In a press conference in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday, the “Koalisyon Laban sa ChaCha” called the initiatives to push for the revision of provisions in the 1987 Constitution a “selfish agenda.”
“The 1987 Constitution is not a political plaything, it was crafted after a dark period to serve the Filipino people, upholding human dignity, human rights and the common good,” San Carlos Bishop Gerry Alimanza, one of the convenors of the coalition, said in his speech.
“Instead of amending the Constitution, we urge the government to tackle pressing issues,” he added.
Among the members of the coalition are Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Bishop Jonel Milan, Caritas Manila Executive Secretary Fr. Antonio Labiao; Ging Quintos-Deles of the Buhay ang EDSA Campaign Network; Minnie Anne Mata-Calub of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP); Josua Mata of Nagkaisa Labor Coalition and members of Akbayan youth.
Instead of revising the Charter, the coalition said that the government should work to “eradicate corruption, protect the environment, break political dynasties and ensure electoral integrity.”
“A just and equitable society for all Filipinos cannot be achieved through self-serving Charter changes, but through a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare. We urge the government to fulfill its duty and prioritize the needs of its citizens,” Labiao said in his speech.
Full Story at: Church coalition urges gov’t: Address country’s problems, not Cha-cha | Philstar.com
DFA slams Chinese envoy’s remark on WPS: It’s distortion of law, fact | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) criticized the claims of Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhen belittling the arbitral ruling that favors the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea.
“The Philippines and China are both parties to UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas],” it pointed out in a message to reporters, as it stressed that it takes “serious exception” to the diplomat’s remark.
The DFA also emphasized that the Chinese official’s statement was a “misrepresentation of the law and the facts.”
“We have and will consistently call on China to act responsibly and abide by its obligations under UNCLOS and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea,” it added.
Full Story at: DFA slams Chinese envoy’s remark on West PH Sea (inquirer.net)
44 injured as second floor of Bulacan church collapses | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Some 44 people were injured and rushed to the hospital when part of a church’s second floor collapsed in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, around 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
The wounded individuals were devotees attending the Ash Wednesday mass at St. Peter Apostle Parish Church when the accident occurred, according to the City of San Jose del Monte Public Information Office (PIO).
Witnesses reported hearing screaming followed by the sudden collapse of the church’s mezzanine floor, the PIO said.
Photos taken after the accident show planks of wood and tangled wires covering the church’s entrance.
Full Story at: 44 hurt as second floor of Bulacan church collapses | Inquirer News
