News Roundup 17 September 2023
Sep 17, 2023 • 4 min Read
Pope Francis removes Filipino priest over child abuse allegations | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis has removed a priest from Borongan, Eastern Samar, due to allegations of child sexual abuse, according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The accused priest identified as Pio Aclon, previously stationed in Borongan, had been suspended from his clerical duties while an investigation into the allegations took place.
The pontiff’s decision was announced on Sunday by the Diocese of Borongan through an official statement referred to as the “Informationis Causa.”
The document, bearing the signature of Chancellor Fr. James Abella and dated July 18, stated Aclon’s expulsion from the clergy.
“Notice is hereby given that the Holy Father Pope Francis has dismissed from the clerical state PIO CULTURA ACLON of the Diocese of Borongan,” the diocese wrote in a circular.
“He [Aclon] is, therefore, no longer a cleric and cannot exercise priestly ministry in the Church,” it added.
The announcement was read in all parish churches, chaplaincies and chapels within the Diocese of Borongan. The circular did not disclose specific details about the accused priest and the allegations against him.
The CBCP vowed transparency and accountability in handling cases of sexual abuse involving the clergy.
Full Story at: Pope Francis removes Filipino priest over child abuse allegations | Philstar.com
DBP remits P25 billion Maharlika contribution | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has remitted its P25-billion contribution to the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), ahead of the formal establishment of the corporation that will manage the country’s first sovereign wealth fund.
In a statement over the weekend, DBP said it has formally turned over the amount to the Bureau of the Treasury.
This came after nearly three weeks since the issuance of the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The P25 billion represents DBP’s share in the initial seed capital for the MIF.
A day earlier, the Land Bank of the Philippines also remitted its share amounting to P50-billion. The DBP and the Landbank are the two largest state-owned financial institutions in the country.
While the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) has yet to be established, the Treasury will serve as an escrow until the corporation is fully organized.
Full Story at: DBP remits P25 billion Maharlika contribution | Philstar.com
Student behind ‘reconsider me’ plea at UP becomes PLM’s magna cum laude graduate | INQUIRER.NET – The viral student who once held a “Reconsider me?” placard after failing the college admission test of his dream university has bounced back with flying colors as he graduated magna cum laude from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).
In 2019, Rufino “Ino” D’asis Pamaran III’s photo holding a sign to reconsider his admission at UP Diliman made rounds online, earning praises from social media users over his unwavering determination to chase his dreams.
He explained to the Inquirer that back then, he failed to reach the passing score in the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), prompting him to resort to asking for reconsideration via displaying a huge placard he made.
“I went that extra step because I couldn’t feel satisfied until I tried everything that I could to pursue that dream. It didn’t work out, but I was determined to finish my college studies without being a financial burden to my mom, who is a single parent,” Pamaran explained.
His dreams and perseverance did not falter from the rejection as it redirected him to press on and unleash his academic excellence in PLM.
Four years later, Pamaran posted his toga picture on Facebook, proudly dedicating his four-year college journey to his loved ones as he finally finished his bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in business economics.
Full Story at: Student who appealed for reconsideration at UP graduates magna cum laude | Inquirer News
Barbers brothers offer Surigao del Norte as Edca site | INQUIRER.NET – Picturesque Surigao del Norte, a prime tourist and surfing destination, may soon be known as the latest host to American forces in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).
That is if the Barbers brothers of Surigao del Norte province convince the Philippine and US militaries to establish an Edca site in that part of the country facing the Pacific Ocean.
In a statement on Saturday, House dangerous drugs panel chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and his older brother Gov. Lyndon Barbers invited top Filipino and American military officials to check out their home province.
Edca allows the US military to build facilities and preposition supplies, equipment, and materiel inside Philippine military bases.
The congressman pointed out that Surigao del Norte’s deep waters could accommodate “huge” US Navy ships.
The brothers made the offer after US Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. John Aquilino said he and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. considered adding more to the current nine Edca sites.
Full Story at: Barbers brothers offer Surigao del Norte as Edca site | Inquirer News
