Wednesday, July 8, 2020On July 25, executive producers Ridley Scott (“The Martian,” “Gladiator”) and Kai Hsuing (“Lords of Chaos”), along with director Kevin Macdonald (“Whitney,” “One Day in September,” “The Last King of Scotland”), invite you and the YouTube global community to pick up your cameras to create “Life In A Day 2020.”
Exactly 10 years after the original “Life In A Day,” the world will once again come together to create a YouTube Original feature-length documentary that tells the story of a single day on Earth. Selected footage sourced from participants like you will be woven together in this documentary to tell the story of an ordinary day during these extraordinary times. “Life In A Day 2020” will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and on YouTube in 2021.
On Monday, July 27, President Rodrigo Duterte will face the joint session of Congress to deliver his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) at a time of great uncertainty and mounting protests against his administration’s huge failures and tyrannical abuse of power.
Duterte’s late, bungling and militaristic response to the Covid-19 pandemic, his failure to use hundreds of billions at his disposal to help the millions of families who lost their jobs and livelihoods under the prolonged lockdowns, the misprioritization of the Anti Terrorism Law and closure of the ABS-CBN Network of his allies in Congress, and his submissiveness to China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea while leveraging US backing, have broadened and galvanized the resistance to his tyrannical rule.
In this light, a broad array of individuals, sectoral organizations, and political and social movements have banded together to hold joint and coordinated protest actions on July 27 under the banner “SONAgKAISA”. In particular, we would like to invite you to participate in the following activities for that day:
SONAgKAISA rally – 10am-12nn along Commonwealth Avenue fronting the Commission on Human Rights Complex, Quezon City.
Mass for Justice and Peace – 12:15pm at the Manila Cathedral (limited seating) to be broadcast live over TV Maria, Radyo Veritas, and various social media accounts.
Metro-Wide protest and noise barrage – starting at 6pm in various areas in and around Metro Manila (details to be announced)
Ribbons of Resistance – whole day tying of red and black ribbons on our gates, fences, vehicles and wrists as a symbol of resistance.
For activities where people will gather, physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and other Covid-19 protocols will be observed.
For more details as well as to coordinate your participation in the said activities, please contact Ms. Gel Marcelino at mobile no. 09475891578 or via email at stopryrannyph@gmail.com.
“Sow for yourselves justice, reap in mercy. Break up for yourselves a new field, for it is time to seek the Lord, till he comes and rains justice upon you.” (Hosea 10:12)
Credit: Faith Watch
Dear Fellow Filipinos,
A few days ago, we received a letter from His Eminence, Charles Cardinal Maung Bo,
Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. It was an ardent request for prayers for Hongkong, on account of the signing into law of a new National Security Act. He explained in his letter how this new law poses a threat to the basic freedoms and human rights of the people of Hongkong, and how it potentially undermines especially their freedom of expression.
Apparently, the Chinese government assures the people of Hongkong that they have nothing to be afraid of, as long as “they don’t get involved in any activity that threatens national security.” Why does this sound eerily familiar to us Filipinos? Because we are in a similar situation. And so, while we responded with an assurance to His Eminence, Cardinal Bo, that we would join him in praying for the people of Hongkong, we also asked him to pray for the Philippines and explained why we are as seriously in need of prayers as the people of Hongkong. Like them, we are also alarmed about the recent signing into law of the Anti-Terror Act of 2020.
We are still in disbelief about the manner in which the contentious Anti-Terror Bill was fast-tracked and approved in both Houses of Congress while the whole country’s attention was focused on the Covid-19 pandemic. They did not even seem to care that many of the people they represent were against it—lawyers’ associations, the academe, the business sector, labor groups, youth organizations, NGO’s, political movements, faith-based communities, and even the Bangsamoro government.
The dissenting voices were strong but they remained unheeded. None of the serious concerns that they expressed about this legislative measure seemed to be of any consequence to them. Alas, the political pressure from above seemed to weigh more heavily on our legislators than the voices from below. It only made more evident the blurring of lines between legislative and the executive branches of our government.
In particular, the legal experts and constitutionalists in our country are seriously concerned that this newly signed law has many elements that are “oppressive and inconsistent with our Constitution.” They have pointed out convincingly how this new law poses a “serious threat to the fundamental freedoms of all peaceful Filipinos.”
And yet, the people in government and their allies have dismissed these fears as unfounded. The assurance that they give sounds strangely parallel to that which the Chinese government gave to the people of Hongkong: “Activism is not terrorism. You have no reason to be afraid if you are not terrorists.” We know full well that it is one thing to be actually involved in a crime and another thing to be merely suspected or accused of committing a crime.
Have we not heard of people active in social advocacies who are accused of being communists? Have we forgotten the bishops, priests and religious who were included among those falsely charged by the Philippine National Police with crimes of sedition and inciting to sedition? Are we not aware of the thousands of people who have been killed in police operations on the basis of mere suspicion of involvement in criminality and illegal drugs? Have we not followed the news about Senator Leila de Lima who continues to languish in jail, also on the basis of mere allegations? Have we not heard of media personalities being harassed by a multitude of criminal charges? Have we not felt the chilling effect of the closure of the country’s biggest broadcast network, the ABS- CBN, after being denied renewal of its franchise? Is it not evident to us how this pattern of intimidation creates an atmosphere detrimental to the freedom of expression in our country?
Last Sunday, July 12 was Sea Sunday. Our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis affirms “we are united with all those who work on the sea, especially those who are far from their loved ones and their country.” The heart of our dear Holy Father goes to our seafarers. He cares and is so concern about them. They are not forgotten. Our Church is always with them, praying for their safety and sound health, working for their wellbeing and welfare, interceding for protection and promotion of their rights and dignity.
On that succeeding days, our dedicated and devoted Stella Maris Chaplain of the Archdiocese of Manila, Father Paolo Prigol, CS informed me “Bishop, there are many cruise ships anchored in the waters of Manila Bay.” You may ask what the reason was as I also inquired “why?” He replied, “while other nations ‘refused’ them for enforcing continued precautionary measures against Coronavirus, our country welcomes and allows foreign cruise ships to dock and remain lying in anchor in our waters. It is because most of their crew and officers are Filipinos.” And that is very true, as it turns out Filipinos to be a third of all cruise ships crews.
This gracious gesture of our Philippine government and all other officials is truly admirable and laudable. It is a clear and concrete manifestation of what the Filipinos, seafarers and migrant workers are very much known for: their hospitality, honesty and hardworking. Our land and sea based migrant workers have shown resilience, strength and courage amidst difficulty and dangers, storms and separations as they brave the seas and labor on land.
Now reflecting deeper and taking the old maxim “harbor is your home” we could turn this crisis of Covid19 pandemic as an opportunity to position our country as leading hub of the global maritime industry. As we know, our Filipino seafarers are much sought-after crew for cruise or cargo, passenger ships or tanker and off-shore. Thus, we have the able manpower and resources-our fellow Filipinos who are naturally seafarers. We have a strong and organized maritime industry. Our educational maritime systems and schools are world class. Just to cite an example is the world-renowned Maritime Academy of Asia and Pacific, very much respected and highly esteem school located in Bataan, within my Diocese of Balanga. Geographically, it is advantageous for us since we are a nation of islands with deep harbors. Again, for illustration purposes, we have well-established and very much organized Stella Maris all over our country, especially in the Archdioceses of Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Manila and Lipa; the Dioceses of Balanga, Iba and Talibon.
Seafarers are very much essential service providers. They are key workers for the growth of economy and for the transit of material goods, medical supplies and mineral elements. With their services and expertise whether in cargo or tankers hips, commodities and goods move around swiftly and safely around the globe. With their sacrifices and exemplary works our whether cruise or passenger ships our travels are memorable and pleasing.
But with this unprecedented Covid19 pandemic everything and everyone momentarily stops. All are affected. All suffered, especially our seafarers who because of national travel restrictions are not allow to join or to leave ships and to transit to different international territories. Or even with their travel histories become collateral suspects of Coronavirus carrier. Now is the most opportune time to show our gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices and service by reaching out to them, by our compassion, and by our material and spiritual support.
Time will come when our seafarers will continue to sail. All hands will be on deck. With God’s unending mercy and with His mighty power will surpass and survive this dangerous and deadly Coronavirus. All will be saved. We will experience a smooth sailing on our life journey. With the maternal guidance and mediation of our Blessed Virgin Mary, the Star of the seas, help and healing will descend upon us.
This worrisome Covid19 pandemic temporary abruptly brought our ships to lower our sails for general public safety and for universal common good. as anchored on deep waters or docked at ports, liken to the medieval Venetian customary preventive measures, let us take this quaranta as challenge to posit and prime our country as one of the leadings global maritime hubs; and as reassurance for our seafarers to make them stay safe, stay strong and to stay sound as they wait and eventually be welcomed aboard.
Together, as one, let us raise our sail. Let us rise up for our country.
+Ruperto Cruz Santos, DD Bishop of Balanga and CBCP Bishop-Promoter of the Apostleship of the Seas Philippines Memorial of our Lady of Mount Carmel, 2020
A Statement in Support of the Persecuted Members of the U.P. Visayas Academic Community
July 17, 2020
I pray for all people of goodwill to join me in the urgent call to stop the persecution of some members of the University of the Philippines-Visayas (UPV) faculty members.
For the past weeks of July, the integrity and lives of some members of the U.P. Visayas academic community were seriously endangered by on-line red tagging posts and abusive threats to their lives.
Through Facebook posts, UPV faculty members Professors Randy Madrid, Ruchiemar Pototanon, Early Sol Gadong, and Tomasito Talledo were accused as members of so-called “legal fronts” of the underground and as recruiters of the rebellious armed group. Prof. Tomasito Talledo was reported to have received a threat to his life few days ago.
Thus, their teaching voices have been forcibly muzzled. When life of the mind should have been nourished, the modes of learning by undergraduate, graduate students and alumni are being suffocated breathless. We believe that the conscience of individuals, their God endowed will to reason and faith in UPV should be affirmed and protected.
Our indigenous brothers and sisters in the remote communities in the Sierra Madre mountains, the Dumagats, appeal for your generous and heartfelt assistance during this Covid-19 pandemic and support for the rehabilitation of their native houses and livelihood as victims of Typhoon Ambo. Some three hundred Dumagat families in isolated communities of General Nakar, Real and Infanta in Quezon Province are in dire need of food due to the difficulty in securing harvests from their long-neglected “kaingin” due to CoVid lockdown.
SANDIWA is a broad network of different IP advocates groups, institutions and individuals that serves as a coordinating service center of support for Indigenous People in the country. It also works hand in hand with Lingkod Katribu, a service-oriented program of the different Indigenous Peoples organizations based in the urban center of the National Capital region in the Philippines. Sandiwa together with LK will conduct a Relief Delivery Operation on August 1 and 2, 2020 in coordination with the local government units and the Prelature of Infanta, in selected Dumagat tribe communities in General Nakar, Real and Infanta, Quezon including other severely affected sectors in the area with total number of beneficiaries of 1,000 families.
Rice as staple food for the IP will be the priority item to be given together with some sugar, coffee, sardines and at least two pieces of notebooks for the school children as their individual personal learning kits who are excited to join the blended education system in this time of pandemic. Dumagat families living near the sea shore facing the Pacific Ocean were badly hit by typhoon Ambo (VongFong) last month of May 2020. They are also asking for canvass tarpaulin to repair their houses. Also, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face mask, face shield, alcohol and hand sanitizers will also be donated to the Mayor’s office in the municipalities of Real, Infanta and General Nakar as our way of showing our appreciation in their fight for CoVid19.
Since our mobility is limited due to this pandemic, cash donations will be very much appreciated. Please send through Palawan Express c/o Gina Cambronero cp#09476180881 or BDO Savings Account 00130007264.
SANDIWA Network deeply appreciates your favorable response to the plea of our Dumagat brothers and sisters.
After celebrating the 4th anniversary of presidential inauguration, Duterte should be thankful to the 16 million Filipinos who voted for him. He should also thank the priests and religious who campaigned for him and voted for him even after cursing the pope and after the CBCP’s appeal to the faithful to vote according to their conscience.
No survey has been conducted about how many percent of priests and religious supported him. What I have is anecdotal, personal knowledge and observation. In the religious community where I was living most supported his candidacy that I felt like a lonely voice warning them about the dire consequences (some of them organized two victory celebrations in the church compound after the elections). One confrere proudly told me to my face that he was voting for Duterte knowing about my stance. A seminarian wore a Du30 bracelet. There were three confreres who posted their photos on Facebook doing a fist bump. A contemplative nun campaigned in the Facebook for him and even made her pet dog wear a Du30 collar. A diocesan priest who used to join me for my previous bike advocacy posted a DU30 baller in Facebook. Another diocesan priest who was my former student posted a selfie on Facebook wearing a Du30 cap. There were also diocesan priests from Mindanao who are now in the US posting their photo on Facebook with the Du30 fist bump. A priest texted me that most of the priests in his archdiocese in Mindanao were voting for Duterte as president and Bongbong Marcos for vice-president. Even progressive priests and nuns active in human rights and environmental advocacy supported him. A diocesan priest who was my classmate in the seminary told me his support for Duterte was the fruit of his spiritual discernment. While conducting a clergy retreat in the Visayas I got a negative reaction when I talked about the prophetic ministry and the need to denounce extrajudicial killings and the national leaders behind it.
Thus, it cannot be denied that there were many priests and religious who supported Duterte and can be regarded as DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters). The question is why did they support Duterte and helped enable him to come to power?
We at PASA join with the Australian Government in condemning China in passing the National Security Act which will aim to brutally curtail rights and freedoms recognised under International law.
We also call on the Australian Government to be similarly vocal in condemning the fast track Anti-Terrorism Law railroaded by President Duterte and signed into law on June 4. This was in a climate where UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, in her report to the current 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council, expressed alarm at the Covid-19 virus being used in the Philippines as “an opportunity to silence critics leading to a further accelerated downward spiral of the human rights situation in the country with no accountability whatsoever for the multiple human rights and humanitarian law violations.”
The Anti-Terror Law of the Philippines is equally draconian as the China National Security Act. The definition of terrorism is vague and can be used against any one who might disagree with Duterte whether it be persons taking part in legitimate rallies and strikes, or publishing any materials revealing the truth of human rights abuses or government anomalies. Already farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, religious persons and even other politicians have been attacked and red-tagged by a Government Task Force, accused of being terrorists, resulting in false charges or even death. This law has now added a “legal” cover to continue the crack down on any opposition.
Apart from the vague definition of “terrorist”, the Law gives the police and military the right to arrest and hold people for 24 days with no warrant, no charges and no right to legal council. This can be on the basis of “suspicion” which again, if we look at what has been happening, gives an open authority to arrest all those red-tagged already. Those deciding the guilt or innocence of the accused will be Cabinet members and a special judge will be appointed by them to hear the charges. Penalties can be life imprisonment with no right to the ordinary process of appeal. The countries judicial system is totally undermined and the fundamental right to a lawyer and appeal processes ignored.
Just like the National security Law of China, the Philippine Anti-Terrorism Law also reaches to persons in other countriies who should express their opposition to Duterte’s war on drugs, killing of activists, refusal to release political prisoners, closing down of media, militarization of the handling of the Covid-19 crisis, or any other anti-people policies of the Duterte Government, whether on social media, interviews or attendance at rallies. This becomes even more worring particularly for Filipinos living in Australia and enhancing culturally and economically Australian society.
Last year, general Parlade, the head of the Task Force specifically tasked with “red-tagging” opposition groups and persons, was allowed into Australia and proceeded to call terrorist and terrorists supporters some individuals and organisations here with no basis. Included among those “red tagged” was Sr Patricia Fox, spokesperson for PASA, who had been targetted by Duterte in 2018 and forced to leave the Philippines.
We call on the Australian Government:
To condemn the passing of the Anti-Terror Act in the Philippines;
To vote for the UN resolution proposed by Michelle Bachelet that an independed body be set up to investigate human rights abuses in the Philippines, the undermining of democratic institutions and challenge the culture of impunity.
To press for the continuation of the case in the ICC against Duterte and his war on drugs before the number of victims, including women and children, increases further.
Lastly we demand a stop to Australian Military Aid to a Government that has no respect for human rights.
“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.” (Mark 13:9).
Rev. Dan San Andres Sr., as a servant of the Lord Jesus, is a good, honest, hardworking, and courageous defender of human rights. He is assigned as a Church Worker at UCCP Sipocot, Camarines Sur. His teachings and actions are in accordance with the UCCP’s Statement of Faith, Declaration of Principles, and in fulfillment of its laws, such as the protection of human rights. He firmly believes that protecting and upholding human rights is an imperative based on the UCCP’s Declaration of Principles in Article II, Section 11.
Section 11. In accordance with the biblical understanding that all persons are created in the image of God, the Church affirms and upholds the inviolability of the rights of persons as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other agreements on human rights, the international covenants on economic, social and cultural rights and on civil and political rights, the 1984 Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and those that relate specifically to refugees, women, youth, children, minority groups and other persons who cannot safeguard their own rights.
Therefore, the ministry of Rev. Dan San Andres Sr., as a servant-leader, in defense of human rights is in line with the UCCP’s belief and teachings. His flocks are not only members of the UCCP, but like Jesus the Good Shepherd, he has other flocks to take care of, including people suffering from oppression and human rights violations (John 10:16).
Rev. San Andres served as Conference Minister of the North Bicol Conference during Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua’s incumbency as Bishop assigned to South Luzon Jurisdictional Area. Currently, he is the Chairperson of the Christian Witness and Service Committee of the Conference. One of the mandates of the committee he is currently leading is to protect and uphold human rights.
As Bishops of the Church, we condemn the accusation hurled on Rev. Dan San Andres Sr. and Jenelyn Nagrampa, who were both allegedly accomplices of the ambush that happened on May 13, 2018, and resulted to the killings of two members of Philippine Army. This accusation are pure lies and fabrication. Rev. Dan San Andres Sr. and Jenelyn Nagrampa were issued a subpoena last October 2019. Through their lawyers and witnesses, these allegations were answered and refuted in December 2019.
According to the members of UCCP Sipocot, Camarines Sur, last May 13, 2018, when the alleged ambush took place, Rev. Dan San Andres was physically present in the Church leading the Sunday worship service and they were celebrating Mother’s Day. It is contrary to the Philippine Army’s statement that he was among the alleged NPAs who ambushed the soldiers at that same time and day.
Fabricated cases like these only show that LIES are the foundation of the system of oppression and injustice. This experience has been happening in our nation over and over again since the dark days of MARTIAL LAW. It seems to be the pattern of the social system –to silenced the truth, those who tell the truth, and those who stand for truth.
Therefore, we, members of the Council of Bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) demand for the immediate release of Rev. Dan San Andres Sr. and Jenelyn Nagrampa. We call on the government to stop the persecution of the Church.
THE UCCP COUNCIL OF BISHOPS
July 10, 2020
Bishop Melzar D. Labuntog General Secretary
Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa North Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Emergencio D. Padillo Middle Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Joel E. Tendero South Luzon Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Jerome C. Baris East Visayas Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Feliciana P. Tenchavez West Visayas Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Ligaya F. San Francisco Northwest Mindanao Jurisdictional Area
Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis Southeast Mindanao Jurisdictional Area
