Chanel One Pilipinas Plus

20/02/2024

20/02/2024

The forgotten Hero?

11/02/2024

GAZA: A CALL TO ACTION FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE!

In the bustling corridors of international diplomacy, amidst the din of geopolitical maneuvering, there exists a deafening silence—a silence that belies the cries of anguish and despair echoing from the besieged enclave of Gaza. The blindness of the world to the plight of Gaza is not merely an oversight; it is a willful ignorance that threatens to sow the seeds of global chaos.

The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. For over a decade, the Palestinian people in Gaza have endured a suffocating blockade that has deprived them of the most necessities of life. They live in overcrowded conditions, with limited access to clean water, electricity, and medical care. Children grow up surrounded by violence and trauma, their innocence stolen by the harsh realities of occupation and conflict.

Yet, despite the enormity of their suffering, the world remains largely indifferent. Political leaders issue empty statements of condemnation, but meaningful action is nowhere to be found. The United Nations issues resolutions that are routinely ignored. Humanitarian aid trickles in sporadically, but it is a mere drop in the ocean of need.

In the face of such apathy, we must turn to the teachings of Islam for guidance. The Qur'an and Hadith are replete with verses and sayings emphasizing the importance of compassion, justice, and solidarity with the oppressed. Allah commands believers to "stand firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives" (Qur'an 4:135). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that we must help our brothers and sisters, whether they are oppressed or oppressors, and that we must prevent oppression wherever we find it.

These teachings are not mere platitudes; they are a call to action. They remind us of our duty to speak out against injustice and to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering. In the case of Gaza, this means demanding an end to the blockade, calling for accountability for human rights violations, and working towards a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The consequences of continued inaction are dire. The oppression of the Palestinian people fuels resentment and anger not only in the Middle East but around the world. It provides fodder for extremist ideologies and undermines efforts to promote peace and stability. Left unchecked, it has the potential to ignite conflicts that engulf the entire globe.

It is time for the world to wake up to the reality of Gaza. It is time for political leaders to move beyond empty rhetoric and take concrete steps to address the root causes of the crisis. And it is time for individuals everywhere to heed the call of conscience and stand in solidarity with the oppressed.

In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), "Whoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith." Let us not be among those whose hearts are hardened to the suffering of others. Let us instead be among those who strive, in whatever way we can, to bring about a world where justice and compassion reign supreme.

23/01/2024

WAR IN GAZA, WHY?

Israel Is Building A $55 BILLION Canal Through Gaza!As tensions in Israel continue to grow, news about plans for a controversial megaproject that has been ar...

11/11/2023

Khalid Bin Walid Masjid bombed by Israel. This is very clear violation of International human right law

10/11/2023

CONGRATULATIONS!

TOPNOTCHERS: October 2023 Physicians Licensure Examination

10/11/2023

“If only the youth of this country will go back to the Bible or Quran or book of Hebrews or Buddhists, maybe we will have peace.”

Amid the divisiveness caused by politicking, a return to God is the only way for the Philippines to move forward and attain peace, Senator

06/11/2023

03/11/2023

BREAKING: Itinalaga ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. si Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. bilang bagong kalihim ng Department of Agriculture ngayong Nobyembre 3, 2023.

30/10/2023

BSKE Elections: A Peaceful Exercise in Democracy

In a nation deeply committed to the principles of democracy, the recently held nationwide Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections have once again showcased the resilience of our democratic process. As of this press time, reports from various polling stations across the country indicate a remarkable level of peace and order during the electoral exercise.

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, commonly referred to as BSKE, are a vital component of our local governance system. These elections determine the leaders of our barangays and youth councils, who play pivotal roles in addressing the needs and concerns of our communities.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of this year's BSKE elections is the peaceful atmosphere that has prevailed throughout the country. This peaceful environment is a testament to the dedication of both the electorate and those responsible for ensuring the security of the electoral process.

The absence of major incidents or disruptions is a welcome development, considering the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and other potential sources of tension. It underscores the commitment of Filipinos to exercise their right to vote in a responsible and peaceful manner, contributing to the overall success of the elections.

Election authorities, including the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and law enforcement agencies, deserve credit for their meticulous planning and diligent efforts in maintaining order. Their coordination and vigilance have helped create an environment where voters can freely express their choices without fear or intimidation.

The participation of the youth in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections is especially significant, as it offers them a platform to voice their concerns and actively engage in the community's decision-making process. This involvement at a young age lays the foundation for responsible citizenship and leadership in the future.

As the nation awaits the official results of the BSKE elections, the prevailing sense of peace serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of our democracy. Regardless of the outcome, the willingness of Filipinos to come together peacefully to make their voices heard is a powerful testament to the democratic values that define our nation.

In the days to come, as the newly elected leaders assume their responsibilities, it is hoped that this spirit of cooperation and unity will continue to guide our barangays and youth councils towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

30/10/2023

MORE OFW ARRIVED FROM ISRAEL

About 62 Filipinos, including two infants, from Israel will arrive in the country on Monday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Saturday 1. The returning Filipinos would be the fourth batch of repatriates fleeing Israel amid its conflict with the Hamas militant group

The DMW’s repatriation efforts, in partnership with the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), would continue 1.
The government has already put in place crisis and contingency plans for the repatriation of Filipinos in case the Israel-Hamas conflict worsen. The DMW’s labor attaché and OWWA’s welfare attaché continue to monitor the “rescue zones” in Israel where evacuated OFWs were brought 1. An augmentation team would be sent to the Middle Eastern state on Nov. 2 to boost the current personnel on the ground.

The returning Filipinos include around 32 hotel workers and 28 caregivers 1. The DMW is already exhausting all efforts to ensure that the OFWs would arrive in the country at the “soonest possible time”.

29/10/2023

VOTE WISELY!

The 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are finally here, and millions of Filipinos are expected to flock to their respective polling precincts to choose their local leaders. The voting period is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and voters should be aware of the do’s and don’ts when casting their ballots.

According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), voters aged 15 to 17 will receive an SK ballot, while voters aged 18 to 30 will receive both an SK and a regular barangay ballot. Voters aged 31 and above will receive only the barangay ballot1. Each barangay has an elected chief executive, the barangay captain, and an eight-seat legislature, the Sangguniang Barangay, of which seven are elected at-large in this election. Voters aged 15 to 30 years old on election day also elect among themselves the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson in each barangay, who is the eighth member of the Sangguniang Barangay, and all seven members of the SK at-large.

When voting, voters should use the folder to cover their ballot, avoid erasures and leaving unnecessary marks on the ballot, and submit the ballot and leave the voting precinct after voting. Voters should not vote more than once or be a substitute for other voters, tear or destroy the ballot, or take a photo or a selfie with the ballot. Voters should also not hesitate to ask the precinct personnel for guidance if they have any questions or concerns.

The counting and canvassing of votes and proclamation of winning candidates will immediately proceed after the closing of polls. Comelec said that BSKE candidates with the highest votes may immediately and effectively assume office. This means that each barangay will have a new barangay chairman, and seven barangay kagawad, as well as an SK chairperson, and seven SK kagawad to serve their communities.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is “all systems go” for the security of the BSKE, with 187,600 personnel set to be deployed. The PNP also reported that 30 of the 151 violent incidents recorded by authorities since August 28 are related to the BSKE3. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that 31,125 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) will be voting in this election4. The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said that around 250,000 to 300,000 volunteers across the country are expected to join monitoring the developments for the BSKE.

October 30, 2023 has been declared as a special non-working day throughout the country for the conduct of the BSKE. Comelec chairman George Garcia encouraged eligible individuals to exercise their right to vote and to do so in a right way. “Bumoto nang tama. Kung ano ang tama, dikta na ‘yan ng konsensya niyo ‘yan, ng puso at isip,” he said. (Vote wisely. What is right will be dictated by your conscience, heart, and mind).

29/10/2023

WATCH!

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, stands in solidarity with millions in Turkey, advocating for peace and condemning the tragic loss of civilian lives in Israel and Gaza.

29/10/2023

Agaw pansin sa pangangampanya.

29/10/2023

Isang araw na lang, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections na! Maging handa at alamin ang iyong lugar ng botohan para sa .

25/10/2023

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
condemns the killing of Children, Women, and elderly in Gaza. He also condemns the cutting of water supply, electricity, bombing of schools, hospital and the blockade of Gaza Strip that stop the humanitarian aid.

25/10/2023

LOOK/ Israel moving closer to Gaza.

22/10/2023

Maharlika Investment Fund Explained

The Maharlika Investment Fund Act is a landmark measure that seeks to unlock the Philippines’ growth potential by opening the corridor for the country to access the world’s sovereign wealth fund community and invest in high-impact sectors.

The creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) complements our recently passed economic liberalization legislations – the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), Foreign Investments Act (FIA), and Public Service Act (PSA), as well as the liberalization of the renewable energy sector – by providing a credible and attractive platform for local and foreign capital, large global funds, global financial institutions, multilateral partners, and other sovereign wealth funds to directly invest in Philippine ventures and projects.

As an additional vehicle for financing, the MIF is expected to widen the country’s fiscal space in the near- to medium-term by reducing heavy reliance on local funds and official development assistance as the main financing mechanisms for infrastructure projects.

Know more about Maharlika: https://maharlika.dof.gov.ph/

22/10/2023

Locsin's Controversial Tweet: A Glimpse into the Delicate Nature of Diplomacy

In the age of digital communication, where every statement is instantaneously broadcast to millions, public figures are under more scrutiny than ever. This was evident when Teodoro Locsin, a Philippine Ambassador to UK, took to Twitter to comment on the tragic events in Gaza, specifically the killing of children.

His initial tweet was met with a barrage of reactions, ranging from support to vehement disagreement. The nature of the statement was undeniably emotional, touching on a sensitive and highly political issue. The killing of innocent children is a topic that evokes strong emotions, and for a figure of Locsin's stature to comment on it openly was bound to draw attention.

However, within a few hours, Locsin retracted his statement. This swift turnaround left many speculating. Was it a genuine change of heart? Was there external pressure for him to retract? Or was it an acknowledgment that such a volatile topic needed a more measured response?

The incident serves as a reminder of the weight words carry, especially from influential individuals. In diplomacy, where every word can have far-reaching consequences, there is little room for impulsiveness. It underscores the need for public figures to be cautious, measured, and informed when commenting on global events, mainly when emotions run high.

Locsin's tweet and subsequent retraction offer a lesson on the importance of thinking before tweeting. In a world where statements can be shared and scrutinized within seconds, restraint and reflection are more crucial than ever. The incident also sheds light on the challenges diplomats and leaders face in the digital age, where the line between personal opinion and official stance can often blur.

In conclusion, while the tweet itself may fade from public memory, the lessons it imparts about the responsibilities and challenges of leadership in the digital age will undoubtedly linger.

22/10/2023

LOOK: He posted this….

21/10/2023

https://youtu.be/o7grSsuFSS0?si=F9smg1WXK-Hbftga

Did you also know that Hamas — which is an Arabic acronym for “Islamic Resistance Movement” — would probably not exist today were it not for the Jewish state...

21/10/2023

The first convoy of humanitarian aid trucks has entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt after a days-long wait at the border. The aid includes food and medical supplies, which will help alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza who have been affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The United States has also pledged to send $100 million in aid for humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. President Joe Biden said that “this money will support more than 1 million displaced in conflict-affected Palestinians, including emergency needs in Gaza”.
While this is a positive development, more aid is needed to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Funding for humanitarian assistance does not appear to be in jeopardy at the moment, but practically, no aid is currently entering Gaza. Israel has also reportedly threatened to block humanitarian aid entering via Egypt.

We hope that more aid will be delivered to Gaza soon so that the people there can receive the help they need.

21/10/2023

Philippines and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties with $4.26 Billion Investment Deal.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the ASEAN-GCC Summit. During his visit, he met with Saudi business leaders and secured $4.26 billion worth of investments from four agreements. The agreements include a $3.76 billion deal between Al-Jeer Human Resources Co. and the Association of Philippine Licensed Agencies for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to cooperate to employ Filipino workers in the kingdom, a $120 million agreement with EEI Corp. for the establishment of a 500-person training facility in Tanza, Cavite, Philippines, and separate agreements with Filipino firms Staffhouse International Resources Corp. and E-GMP International Corp., each valued at an estimated $191 million.

The President expressed his interest in building “greater and closer” partnerships with Saudi Arabia, given that it is home to “the largest population of overseas Filipinos in the world”. He also invited Saudi business leaders to visit the Philippines and see for themselves the investment opportunities that the country has to offer.

This is a significant development for the Philippines as it will help boost its economy and create more job opportunities for Filipinos. The President’s efforts to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the country’s future.

21/10/2023

A Diplomatic Triumph: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Remarkable Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In what is being hailed as a diplomatic milestone, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a visit. The trip, marked by warmth, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue, is expected to usher in a new era of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Building on Historical Ties

The relationship between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia has always been rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. With a significant number of Filipinos working in the Kingdom, the ties have only grown stronger over the years. President Marcos Jr.'s visit serves to solidify this bond further.

Key Takeaways from the Visit

1. Economic Pacts: One of the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of several economic agreements. These are expected to boost trade, encourage mutual investments, and foster technological and infrastructural collaborations.

2. Protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): Given the large Filipino community in Saudi Arabia, discussions were held regarding the welfare and protection of OFWs. Both leaders pledged to ensure their well-being and rights.

3. Cultural Exchanges: In an effort to promote cultural understanding and ties, various programs and exhibitions were organized. These showcased the vibrant cultures of both nations, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding.

4. Regional and Global Cooperation: The leaders engaged in fruitful discussions on regional stability, counter-terrorism efforts, and other shared concerns, emphasizing the need for collaborative action.

Implications for the Future

The visit's success is seen as a significant boost to bilateral relations. With both countries looking to diversify their economies and expand their global footprints, this visit could mark the beginning of an even stronger partnership.

In Retrospect

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia underscores the importance of maintaining and nurturing international ties. It stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy and the potential of mutual cooperation. As both nations look forward to a future of shared growth and prosperity, this visit will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in their diplomatic history.

16/10/2023

MGA PAALALA NG COMELEC: Narito ang mga paalala ng Commission on Elections para sa pagsisimula ng campaign period ng barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan elections sa Huwebes, Oct. 19.

16/10/2023