Thursday, October 31, 2013

September 2013 Signs of Earth Changes


Just climate change or something more?  Dramatic footage of scenes that took place over a period of just a few weeks in September.  In 2012, Typhoon Bopha (Pablo), was the costliest typhoon to hit the country ever destroying crops, property and infrastructure worth more than Php 42 billion (USD 1 billion). In September 2013 Typhoon Usagi slammed into the country's northernmost islands cutting communication and power lines, triggering landslides and inundating rice fields.

As we know, in the middle of this month a major seismic event also took place in Bohol, Philippines killing at least 222 people, destroying around 13,500 houses, damaging 53,300 others, 10 centuries-old churches and infrastructure all of which run into Php 4 billion in damage.

Video maker HawkeyDavisChannel points out that these videos are "for awareness to these ongoing extremes that seem to be getting worse each week."

Prophecies: Life, Death and Apocalyptic upheavals of terrestrial and extraterrestrial origin


"Prophecies are given to warn people so that they can prepare for what is to come, or to allow our aware consciousness to raise to higher levels, thus enabling us to alter a probable event. NO PROPHECY IS GUARANTEED TO OCCUR. If this were the case it would indicate that we do not have free will. This is what Tribulation is all about --- exercising our free will, a time period of choosing our spiritual ideals, and who we serve." - Gordon-Michael Scallion 

Robert A. Nelson's work, Prophecy: A History of the Future, archives prophetic visions of both ancient and modern prophets concerned with global catastrophes "in the near future". While none has made 100% accuracy, many of them have made short and long-term predictions that came to pass during or after their lifetime. Predictions that did not happen during their lifetime may, however, be actually occurring now in this, our lifetime. Nelson believes they may be useful to us, for "time is running out for these prophecies to be fulfilled or annulled." 


Edgar Cayce

There's a chapter on American prophets/seers. Foremost among them is Edgar Cayce (1877-1945). He has been called the "sleeping prophet," the "father of  holistic medicine," the most documented psychic of the 20th century. Cayce devoted 40 years of his adult life giving psychic "readings" to thousands of seekers while in an unconscious state, diagnosing illnesses and revealing lives they lived in the past (reincarnation), and prophecies yet to come.

On the question, what is the shape of the world to come, replied Cayce under that sleeping state:

In the next few years lands will appear in the Atlantic as well as in the Pacific. And what is the coast line now of many a land will be the bed of the ocean... 

Portions of the now east coast of New York, or New York city itself, will in the main disappear. This will be another generation, though, here; while the southern portions of Carolina, Georgia - these will disappear. This will be much sooner...

The waters of the lakes will empty into the Gulf, rather than the wareway over which such discussions have been recently made.. 

Then (Virginia Beach) will be among the safety lands, as will be portions of what is now Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and much of the southern portion of Canada and the eastern portion of Canada, while the western lands - much of that is to be disturbed - in this land - as - as, of course, much in other lands. (272-35; January 21, 1936)

Even many of the battle fields of the present will be ocean, will be the seas, the bays, the lands over which the new order will carry on their trade as one with another. (1152-11 - August 13, 1931).

Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), also mentions some of his psychic readings. Founded by Cayce in 1931 A.R.E. explores spirituality, holistic health, intuition and the application of core concepts found in the more than 14,000 documented psychic readings. On the matter concerning the shape of the world to come we find the following:

Decades before the rest of the world was thinking about the enormous impact that China would have upon the global stage, Edgar Cayce predicted great things for China and its people. On one occasion, Cayce told a group of people that eventually China would become “the cradle of Christianity, as applied in the lives of men. (3976-29).

Cayce then went on to caution that it would take a long time to manifest but that it was the country’s destiny: “Yea, it is far off as man counts time, but only a day in the heart of God – for tomorrow China will awake.”

On another occasion... asked about the destiny of China in 1943, just prior to his own trip to the country to serve in the capacity of a missionary, Cayce promised amazing changes in the country that would lead to more democracy and greater religious freedom. He also suggested that eventually the height of civilization would move from the West to the Chinese people: “And these will progress. For, civilization moves west.” 
(#2834-3)

Cayce on armed conflicts:

The powers of light and darkness, as then, as sixteen hundred (1600) years before. As in those periods, so today – we find nation against nation; the powers of death, destruction, the wrecking of that which has been and is held near and dear to the hearts of those who have through one form or another set ideals.

These are not to be questioned, in that as may be a helpful force; but what is coming to pass? And how may ye as individuals help? …

Strifes will arise through the period. Watch for them near Davis Strait in the attempts there for the keeping of the life line to a land open. Watch for them in Libya and in Egypt, in Ankara and in Syria, through the straits about those areas above Australia, in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.  (3976-26) April 28, 1941
Jeane Dixon

The seeress Jeane Dixon (1918-1997) was a prolific predictor of events. She accurately foretold the assassinations of Mahatma Ghandhi, Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, and his brother Robert, as well as many other astounding predictions."When a psychic vision is not fulfilled as expected, it is not because what has been shown is not correct; it is because I have not interpreted it correctly," she said.

Like Nostradamus (C. 1:60) and St. John (Revelation 8: 8-12), Jeane Dixon saw that Earth will be struck by a comet. But her timing was premature:

I have seen a comet strike our Earth around the middle of the 1980s. Earthquakes and tidal waves will befall us as a result of the tremendous impact of this heavenly body in one of our great oceans..."

She saw a’government within a government’ being controlled and financed by a well-oiled political ‘machine’ in the U.S.:

The social and religious chaos generated by this political machine throughout the United States will prepare the nation for the coming of the prophet of the Antichrist. This political unit of the East will be the tool of the serpent in delivering the masses to him. 

The False Prophet’s domain shall be the intellectual seduction of mankind. It means a mixture of political, philosophical, and religious ideology that will throw the populations of the world into a deep crisis of faith in God... One of his first duties and responsibilities in readying the world for the advent of his ’master’ is to manipulate the available propaganda machines. With teaching and propaganda the prophet will cause people not merely to accept the Antichrist but rather to desire him with positive enthusiasm to create the conditions of his coming and to participate in organizing the frightful and terrifying despotism of his World Empire. 

[The seemingly miraculous phenomena he will produce] will not be supernatural or preternatural events but rather prodigies of science and human achievements, but interpreted in such a way as to lead men away from God and toward the worship of the Antichrist... The prophet of the Antichrist and the Antichrist himself will be specific and identifiable persons!"


Gordon-Michael Scallion

The modern seer Gordon-Michael Scallion has also made a considerable reputation as a prophet of "Earth Changes", the imminent period of global super-quakes and vulcanism that will largely destroy civilization as we know it. But his track record was spoiled by the failure of his super-quake predictions which he announced in The Earth Changes Report.

Many others, of course, have warned that super-quakes would occur in the latter days of this cycle of civilization, but none have pinpointed a date just when it would happen.

According to Scallion:

With the beginnings of the shifting of the magnetic poles, the forces of nature react. Weather becomes erratic throughout the world --- trade winds shift, 
high winds occur... the polar regions begin to melt...  

New plagues emerge --- diseases of the optic system and parasympathetic system... the body’s electrical system unbalanced due to interaction between the body and Earth’s magnetic field and electromagnetic pollution. Heart failures increase. The alternative healing emerges, so more turn to natural healing methods, many forced by lack of insurance... 

Scallion's future map of the World is most intriguing. This includes a supposed future map of the Asian region and the region of Australia-New Zealand


Mahatma Gandhi

Even Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi was into it. In a chapter on Asian prophecies we read from Nelson that shortly before he was assassinated, Mahatma Mohandas Ghandhi predicted the future of the human race to a group of friends and associates:

"Mankind is approaching hard times, because as soon as the measure of its sins will be full, it will be called to account by the superior power above us. You may call this event as you wish: Judgment day, final settlement, or doomsday. It will come, most likely, very soon. Whoever will survive this settlement will see an entirely new earthly existence manifested. For a long, very long time the word war will be crossed out from the dictionary of mankind, perhaps even for all time..."

Yet we know that there are Bible prophecies telling us about the Great Tribulation. A period of extreme cataclysms, increased religious strife and deception, persecution, demonic miracles, pestilence, famines, massive deaths and other terriying events where seas roar and heavenly bodies are shaken. And then...

Mat 24:29-31 (NIV) "Immediately after the distress of those days, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather the elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."

Mat 24:36-42 (NIV) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."

Luke 21:25-28 (NIV) "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

A good Catholic meddles in politics - Pope Francis

Photo: CNA
Pope calls faithful to participate actively in politics

Catholics should not be indifferent to politics, Pope Francis said, but should offer their suggestions, as well as prayers that their leaders may serve the common good in humility and love.

In a homily at Santa Marta, the Pope rejected the idea that “a good Catholic doesn’t meddle in politics.”

“That’s not true. That is not a good path,” he said, according to Vatican Radio. “A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern.”

“None of us can say, ‘I have nothing to do with this, they govern,’” Pope Francis told those present for the Mass. Rather, citizens are responsible for participating in politics according to their ability, and in this way are responsible for their leadership.

“Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good,” he explained. “I cannot wash my hands, eh? We all have to give something!”

He noted that it is sometimes common for people to speak only critically of their leaders, to complain about “things that don’t go well.”

Instead of simply complaining, we should offer ourselves – our ideas, suggestions, and most of all our prayers, the Holy Father said.

'Wicked' politicians

Observing that prayer is “the best that we can offer to those who govern,” he pointed to St. Paul’s letter to Timothy inviting prayer for the conversion and strong leadership of those in authority.

Even if they believe certain politicians to be “wicked,” Christians should pray “that they can govern well, that they can love their people, that they can serve their people, that they can be humble,” he said.

At the same time, the Pope reflected on the role of those who hold political power, stressing the need for humility and love.

Gospel of the centurion

Reflecting on the Gospel of the centurion who humbly and confidently asked for the healing of his servant, the Holy Father explained that “a leader who doesn’t love, cannot govern – at best they can discipline, they can give a little bit of order, but they can’t govern.”

In addition, he emphasized, “You can’t govern without loving the people and without humility!”
“And every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: ‘Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?’”

“If you don’t ask those questions, your governance will not be good,” Pope Francis continued. “The man or woman who governs – who loves his people is a humble man or woman.”

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Philippines' poorest provinces

Despite the government's efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos in the countryside, in the first 6 months of 2012 there were 15 provinces & 1 city that have over 40% of their population living below the poverty threshold.
The 1st Semester 2012 Poverty Statistics from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NCSB), showed that most of the poorest provinces are located in Mindanao while the least poor were located mainly in Luzon.
Below is a map showing the poverty incidence -- a percentage of the region's population -- nationwide.
Source: Rappler

"The regions with the lowest poverty incidence in the first semester of 2006, 2009, and 2012 continue to be the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon. As of the first semester 2012, ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) consistently figured in the bottom poorest cluster of the regions with a poverty incidence among families between 42% and 47% in the first semesters of 2006, 2009, and 2012,"  - NSCB Secretary General Jose Ramon Albert.

Who is poor?
The government considers a Filipino family poor if monthly earnings are less than the poverty threshold. In the 1st semester of 2012, poverty threshold for a family of 5 was at P5,458 per month to meet basic food needs.
The same family required only P1,681 in 2006 and P2,042 in 2009 to leave the ranks of the poor.
If non-food needs -- such as clothing, housing, transportation, health, and education expenses, and others -- are added to the threshold, cut off in 2012 went up to P7,821 earnings a month.

Related story: "Kung walang corrupt..."

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Comet ISON: Incoming Sungrazer (or how will it react with a Sun in CME mood?)


Hubble photo of Comet ISON on Oct. 9, 2013

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope took this photo of Comet ISON, described as the 'potential Comet of the Century', on Oct. 9, 2013, when the comet was inside Mars’ orbit and about 177 million miles from Earth. The nucleus of ISON appears to be intact.

Comet ISON will make its closest approach to the sun on Nov. 28, coming within 730,000 miles (1.2 million kilometers) of the star's surface. 

There have been so many records of SOHO where comets approaching the sun cause sudden flaring and discharging of CME's. It should really be interesting how Comet ISON will interact with the sun's magnetic field. Eyes open.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Sun erupts with two major solar flares


From Space.com

The sun erupted with two of the strongest solar flares it can unleash Friday (Oct. 25), just days after blasting an intense solar storm at Earth.

The sun fired off a flare that registered at X1.7 on the space weather scale at 4:01 a.m. EDT (0801 GMT) Friday, then followed with an X.2-class event at 11:03 a.m. EDT (1503 GMT). NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured video of the X1.7 solar flare, which came after several smaller sun storms over the last few days.

Both powerful flares erupted from a new sunspot cluster called Region 1882 and sparked temporary radio blackouts, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) said in an update. But neither eruption is likely to spark major geomagnetic storms in Earth's magnetic field, they added. [Solar Max: Sun Storm Photos of 2013]

Astronomers classify solar flares into three categories — C, M and X — with C being the weakest and X the strongest. When aimed directly at Earth, X-class sun eruptions can interfere with satellite-based communications and navigation systems and also endanger astronauts in orbit.

Update from SpaceWeather on these solar flares Oct. 26, 2013:

WEEKEND FORECAST: Solar activity remains high. NOAA forecasters estimate a 70% chance of M-flares and a 35% chance of X-flares during the next 24 hours. Over the next three days (Oct. 26-28), a series of CMEs created by the recent limb eruptions will deliver glancing blows to Earth's magnetic field, possibly sparking polar geomagnetic storms. Aurora alerts: text, voice.

INTERCONNECTED SOLAR ACTIVITY: The X1-flare of Oct. 25th was remarkable not only for its strength, but also for its interconnectedness. The flare was bracketed by two erupting magnetic filaments, each located hundreds of thousands of kilometers from the instigating sunspot AR1882. The whole episode, shown in this SDO movie, was reminiscent of the famous global eruption of August 2010.

Today, Oct. 26th, it happened again. Click this LINK, of the sun's southwestern quadrant and watch a sequence of flare activity around sunspots AR1875 and AR1877 followed by a filament eruption off the SW limb:


Instead of being a sequence of unrelated events, these flares and eruptions are likely connected by magnetic fields, which thread through the whole broad region. Like dominoes falling, one explosion triggers another as shock waves follow magnetic fields from blast site to blast site.

'End of the line for the claim to office' - Tribune story

High tribunal upholds ruling vs disqualified Marinduque solon


    It is the end of the line for the claim to office of a provincial lawmaker who was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for having run while she was an American citizen.

    Ruling with finality, the Supreme Court (SC), in a resolution issued in G.R. No. 207264 on Oct. 22,  affirmed its June 25 decision which, upheld the ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualifying and cancelling the certificate of candidacy (CoC) of lawyer Regina Ongsiako-Reyes as representative of the lone district of Marinduque.  
The disqualification case against Reyes arose from the issue of her citizenship alleging that she is an American citizen.

The closest rival of Reyes is former Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, son of SC Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr.

Justice Velasco had inhibited himself from the case. 

In a statement, Lord Allan Velasco asked ousted Reyes to comply with the SC resolution.

Reyes, meanwhile, has publicly declared she will not obey the decision of the high court. “This open defiance is clearly appalling, especially coming from a lawyer who has sworn, as it were, to ‘obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities.’ Reyes commenced G.R. No. 207264, she would now insist that the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal has jurisdiction over her case. However, Reyes did not file any petition with HRET which is contrary to her position, “ Velasco said.

Velasco explained, pursuant to Rule 64 of the Rules of Court, it is the SC, not the HRET, which has jurisdiction to review on certiorari the decisions of the Comelec. As held in Codilla Sr. vs Comelec (G.R. No. 150605, Dec. 10, 2002), the HRET has no appellate jurisdiction over resolutions or decisions of the Comelec.

He emphasized that it was Reyes herself who invoked the jurisdiction of the SC when she filed a petition for certiorari against the Comelec’s May 14, 2013 resolution which cancelled her certificate of candidacy (CoC) on account of her being an American citizen. Thus, she herself admitted that it is the SC, and not the HRET, which has jurisdiction over the issue of the cancellation of her CoC. Unfortunately for her, the court’s June 25 decision and the Oct. 22 resolution ruled that the Comelec did not commit any grave abuse of discretion in cancelling her CoC.

It is, thus, highly unsporting for Reyes, after invoking the jurisdiction of the high court, to decry lack of jurisdiction upon receiving an adverse ruling from the court.

Reyes told to vacate office

Reyes told to vacate her office

By Rey E. Requejo | Posted 12 hours ago | 1,135 views
Reposted from Manila Standard Today

The rival of disqualified Marinduque Rep. Regina Ongsiako-Reyes on Friday urged her to vacate her post and respect the Supreme Court ruling disqualifying her in their congressional elections in May.

Former Rep. Lord Allan Velasco said Reyes could face disbarment and criminal prosecution for usurpation of official functions under the Penal Code should she fail to comply with the ruling.
He also appealed to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and the House leadership to implement the final and rulings of the Comelec and the Supreme Court and to recognize him as the duly elected congressman representing the lone district of Marinduque.
“Notwithstanding [the high court ruling], Reyes still clings to the position, publicly declaring that she will not obey the decision of the high court,” Velasco said in a statement.
“This open defiance is clearly appalling especially coming from a lawyer who has sworn, as it were, to obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities.”
Velasco said Reyes was also exposing herself to a possible violation of the Constitution and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as a result of her clinging on to the post.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Pope Francis describes 'ideological Christians' as a 'serious illness' within the church (watch video)

Pope Francis describes ‘ideological Christians’ as a ‘serious illness’ within the Church (via Raw Story )

Speaking at daily Mass last Thursday, Pope Francis warned Christians against turning their faith into a rigid ideology. “The faith passes, so to speak, through a distiller and becomes ideology,” he said, according to Radio Vatican. “And ideology…

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

SC judicial supremacy in interpreting Constitution and laws


Republic v. Supreme Court
The 'Reyes Battle’ as a Medium for Populist Advocacy
by Allan Nadate


The Judiciary has been insulted and it is not doing anything about it. This is the declaration of University of the Philippines Professor Dante Gatmaytan in his Professorial Lecture at the College of Law, House Rules: The Rule of Law after Reyes v. COMELEC. Described as “crazy”, the en banc resolution promulgated more than three months ago immediately drew the flak of Congress. The Belmonte House refuses to honor the Court’s decision. There is a “stalemate” and the Cassandra press foments the mood of imminent constitutional crisis. The rule of law, the judicial supremacy of the court of last resort is in question. The Court is pilloried  — its province, duty and constitutional sphere affirmed in Angara, Abueva v. Wood, Endencia v. David, Marcos v. Manglapus, In Re Laureta, so overtly disputed. The contentions, however, of Congress seem irrational, if not dangerous. Rufus Rodriguez, who once stated that “if we defy the Supreme Court, we have destroyed the rule of law in this country,” had backtracked to announce Reyes as “ridiculous”.

How can we explain this apparent incoherence in some members of Congress, who we can assume have at least an idea of the separation of powers and judicial supremacy of the Supreme Court in terms of interpreting the Constitution and the laws? How can the election, or non-election thereof, of one relatively-unknown Congresswoman from a nondescript district cause so much mess? How can Regina Ongsiako Reyes pronounce such whirlwind statement that she will impeach Justice Velasco, father to the same Velasco she contended for the seat with, for allegedly influencing the bench despite having recused himself? An elephant in the room or a tempest in a teacup, the 'Reyes Battle’ is at best, an ill-thought of fight and at worst (or maybe at best still), a publicity stunt. If a proper party so prays, jurisdiction would still eventually come to the Supreme Court regardless if it was the Commission of Elections or the House of Representative Electoral Tribunal who decided to hear the complaint.

Nadate's paper may be read in full in this LINK from Academia.edu

Wait for copy of SC decision - Velasco

Reposted from ABS-CBN News

SC decision on Marinduque poll dispute 'unenforceable' - Roque

Posted at 10/22/2013 8:30 PM | Updated as of 10/22/2013 8:38 PM

ANC's Tony Velasquez' interview with Lord Allan Velasco.
Click this LINK

Justice's son reiterates his dad didn't influence case

MANILA - The lawyer of Marinduque Rep. Regina Reyes assailed the Supreme Court decision affirming its ruling disqualifying his client, calling it "unenforceable" since the case is already pending before the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).

In an interview on ANC's Top Story, lawyer Harry Roque said it was Lord Allan Jay Velasco himself who brought the matter to the HRET.

Lord Allan is the son of Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco.

"I would say the Supreme Court should not have decided on the case because the jurisdiction is already vested with a co-equal branch of government, which is Congress through the HRET," he said.

Roque said Velasco did not implead the House Speaker or the entire Lower House in the case. He said the technical flaw in Velasco's complaint is that he thought Congress was "bound to recognize the [SC] decision."

"How can the decision be binding on a co-equal branch of government when it was not even heard on the matter? They were not made a party in the petition," he said.

Roque said it is only after the House is impleaded can SC decisions be binding on the chamber. He added it is premature for Velasco to celebrate.

Meantime, Velasco on Tuesday said he does not want to be called congressman yet despite the SC's ruling.

"Let's not use that term yet until the House of Representatives already recognizes [the decision]," he said told ANC. He said he will wait for the final copy of the SC decision before asking Speaker Sonny Belmonte if he can be recognized as a member of the House.

Both Belmonte and Reyes are members of the Liberal Party of President Aquino.

Voting 5-4, the high court stood pat on its ruling in June that upheld the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in disqualifying Reyes on the basis of her 'US citizenship,' despite her victory.

The younger Velasco said Reyes was always raising the issue of his father's alleged influence in the SC despite the latter's decision to inhibit from the case.

He said the outcome of the SC vote will also debunk Reyes' allegation that the vote was rigged in his favor, noting that even Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno voted to disqualify Reyes.

"If you look at the composition of the decision itself, the dissenters - the ones who did not vote in my favor - one of those is a fraternity brother of my dad. Another one is a very close friend of my dad. The biggest dissenter who is actually the fraternity brother of my opponent's brother," he said.

"Even the Chief Justice voted in my favor. I don't really think that anyone can influence the Chief Justice," he added.

Velasco said he does not think the SC decision will cause tension since he also got half of the votes in the province.

He also promised to support any piece of legislation submitted by Reyes that will help the people of Marinduque.

Velasco also described as the "great equalizer" the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of lawmakers despite moves to completely abolish the pork barrel system. He said small provinces like Marinduque usually do not get a large allocation from the national budget.

"Now that PDAF is scrapped, I guess it is still OK. I guess this will just mean that I would have to double my efforts to go to departments and ask for projects and budgets that can be brought to my province," he said.

House Speaker Belmonte 'studying' SC ruling

Reposted from ABS-CBN News

Belmonte studying SC ruling on Reyes disqualification
Posted at 10/22/2013 8:56 PM | Updated as of 10/22/2013 8:56 PM

House won't recognize Lord Allan Velasco just yet

MANILA - House Speaker Sonny Belmonte is studying the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the disqualification of Marinduque Congresswoman Regina Reyes.

Belmonte said that aside from the ruling on the Reyes case, there is also a ruling on the disqualification filed by Toby Tanada against Congresswoman Helen Tan, who defeated him quezon representatives.

“I don’t like to give off the cuff [remarks]. We have not gotten a copy [of the decision]. Let's face it, malakas ang dating ng ganung klaseng kuwan [ruling]. Let's put it this way, after we have studied it, if in our view yun na, we’ll do it, pero kung sasabihin, the other side of the question is the HRET [House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal] has taken jurisdiction [over the case].

The HRET is not a creation of Congress. It derives authority from the Constitution, malakas...the HRET is not just a bunch of people," he said.

The SC junked the motion for reconsideration (MR) of Reyes and affirmed its earlier ruling that upheld her disqualification in the last local elections.

Voting 5-4, the high court stood pat on its ruling in June that upheld the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in disqualifying Reyes on the basis of her "US citizenship," despite her victory.

SC upholds ruling on disqualification with finality

Reposted from ABS-CBN News

SC upholds ruling on Marinduque solon's disqualification

Posted at 10/22/2013 3:40 PM | Updated as of 10/22/2013 10:16 PM

MANILA - The Supreme Court (SC) has junked the motion for reconsideration (MR) of Regina Reyes, and affirmed its earlier ruling that upheld her disqualification in the last local elections for the post of Marinduque lone district representative.

Voting 5-4, the high court stood pat on its ruling in June that upheld the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in disqualifying Reyes on the basis of her 'US citizenship,' despite her victory.

The case went controversial since one of the sitting justices of the high tribunal, Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco, Jr., is the father of Reyes' rival, Lord Allan Velasco.

Justice Velasco inhibited from the Reyes case.

In deciding in favor of her disqualification with finality, the Comelec brushed aside Reyes' defense that she enjoys dual citizenship.

The case stemmed from a petition filed by Joseph Tan, who questioned Reyes' candidacy before the poll body. The younger Velasco stands to benefit from the high court's ruling.

The Comelec had proclaimed Velasco as the rightful winner in the Marinduque congressional race but the House of Representatives refused to honor his proclamation and recognized Reyes, a member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

UNDP highlights Marinduque mining experience in report on environmental justice in the Philippines


'Bent from morn till the set of sun'. Farmers planting rice in Tigwi, Torrijos, Marinduque.
Photo: Eli Obligacion

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) helps countries strengthen electoral and legislative systems, improve access to justice and public administration and develop a greater capacity to deliver basic services to those most in need. In a recent article, "Environmental Justice in the Philippines" appearing on its official website, the UNDP has singled out the Marinduque mining experience and legislative measures now in place that protect the environment and communities affected.

'While promulgation of the Rules was a landmark achievement, their effective implementation would not be assured without substantial awareness-raising on the new procedures and capacity-building amongst the judiciary and other stakeholders.'

Excerpts:

Environmental degradation is already occurring on a large scale in the Philippines. The World Risk Report 2011 issued by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Safety (UNU-EHS) reveals that the Philippines is the third most vulnerable worldwide because of the frequency of typhoons, floods or landslides. Impacts of disasters range from hunger and susceptibility to disease, to loss of income and livelihoods, affecting human survival and well-being. Population pressure, careless use and exploitation of the environment, and threats of extinction of certain species, are taking a toll on the quality of the environment and human health...

Mining has led to serious environmental damage. In 1996, the breakage of a drainage plug holding toxic mining waste at the Marcopper mine made global news. The poisonous wastes were allegedly dumped into the Boac River and resulted in the release of over 1.6 million cubic meters of tailings along 27 km of the river and the coastal areas. The impact on the river and the people who depend on it for their livelihoods was massive...

A report by the Department of Health indicated that residents could be harbouring in their bodies amounts of zinc and copper beyond tolerable limits. Residents also complained of skin irritations and respiratory problems which could have been caused by the poisonous vapours emitted by hydrogen sulfide and nitrous oxide from the mine wastes...

The legislature promulgated in 2010 new Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases (theRules), a landmark instrument representing a significant reform in environmental litigation and protection. The Rules lay down procedures governing the civil, criminal, and special civil actions in all trial courts regarding environmental cases, with a view to protecting and advancing the constitutional right of the people to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology, and providing a simplified, speedy, and inexpensive procedure for the enforcement of environmental rights under Philippines law.

The Rules empowers the courts to issue environmental protection orders as an immediate action to protect the environment and the communities affected. Other remedies and orders direct government agencies to protect, preserve or rehabilitate the environment. The Rules also enable communities to petition for the suspension or stoppage of destructive, environmental and development activities through the Citizen’s Suit provision.

While promulgation of theRules was a landmark achievement, their effective implementation would not be assured without substantial awareness-raising on the new procedures, and capacity-building amongst the judiciary and other stakeholders.


For the full article pls click this UNDP LINK.

In sidebar post on the same UNDP webpage also appears the following information: 

In March 2011, the Supreme Court granted aWrit of Kalikasan to three petitioners against Placer Dome, Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation concerning the Marcopper mining disaster that took place in 1996 in Marinduque, and, in July 2011, the Supreme Court ordered the Court of Appeals to hear and decide the case. The petitioners contended that Placer Dome should be held liable for expelling some 2 million cubic meters of toxic industrial waste in the area and failing to rehabilitate the waters in three Luzon provinces—Romblon, Marinduque and Quezon.

Monday, October 21, 2013

No to Barrick conditions - MACEC


Calancan Bay, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Only one of many areas on the island now laid 
to mine waste. Photo: Alex Felipe

Group rejects offer for mining tragedy

By 

11:14 pm | Saturday, October 19th, 2013
Reposted from Inquirer News

A church group stood its ground against the indemnity being offered by a mining company for the damage that resulted from almost 30 years of mining operations on Marinduque Island.

Negotiations between the provincial government of Marinduque and Barrick Gold Corp. continued with a $20-million compensation offer on the table, that, if signed, would end an almost 10-year legal battle in a US court.

Barrick Gold bought out Marcopper Mining Corp. and its parent company, Placer Dome, after the 1996 mine tailing spill on Marinduque’s major river system, now considered the worst mining disaster in the Philippines.

The Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (Macec), however, said the proposed settlement should be rejected, “not only because the amount was too small, but because of certain conditions absolving the company of environmental damages.”

“Among those conditions is that the settlement proceeds can never be used for the repair and rehabilitation [of the damaged rivers and mining structures] when it was the purpose [of the lawsuit] in the first place,” Macec executive director Elizabeth Manggol said in a phone interview on Monday.

Macec, a multisectoral group under the Diocese of Boac, has been at the forefront of the $100-million lawsuit the Marinduque government filed against the company in 2005.


Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/510447/group-rejects-offer-for-mining-tragedy#ixzz2iImojr4P 

Deceptive, dangerous, deadly landscapes


TAPIAN PIT. The clear, deep green color of the Tapian and San Antonio Pit waters is indicative of high levels of dissolved ferrous iron and copper. Although water is still accumulating in the pit lakes, the USGS in an earlier study feared “that acid ground waters are also migrating down gradient from the pits along fractures and other zones of permeability. These waters are a potential concern if they are migrating far enough away from the mine site to affect ground water quality in domestic wells, or if they discharge via springs into local surface waters.” Photo: tonywells82

CALANCAN BAY. According to a DENR study, the impact of heavy metal contamination to Calancan Bay communities can be better appreciated when one considers that these communities are exposed to this environment every day, as well as consume contaminated fishes daily. There is that real threat of accumulation and magnification of such heavy metals in the human body.

Acid drainage and metal leaching from exposed tailings, such as those in the causeway must be expected. The sulphide mineral nature of the Tapian ore body, which is linked to acid drainage and metal leaching is well documented. Photo: tonywells82

BOAC RIVER. The USGS raised concern on possible leaching of acid and metals from the tailings into the Boac River. It reported that extensive soluble salts observed in the tailings deposit can dissolve quite easily, and could potentially cause an environmentally damaging flush of acid and metals from the tailings into the river during rain storms. Tailings deposits are also a potential source of acid and metals into ground water near the river, and potential danger to food crops and on the marine environment. Photo: tonywells82


MINE DUMP north of the San Antonio pit above the Maguila-guila siltation dam. According to USGS, yellow-to-orange colors on the dump indicate the presence of secondary salts, which show that sulfide-rich rocks are generating acid drainage. The abandoned earth dam no longer fulfills its purpose to trap sediment eroded from the mine site with sediment completely filling the impoundment and water now flowing out the overflow spillway.
Photo: USGS

MOGPOG RIVER and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). Use of Mogpog River as disposal site for acidic liquid from the mine tailings caused contamination of soil along riverbank and its vegetation. The highly toxic fluids when mixed with groundwater, surface water and soil may have harmful effects on humans, animals and plants. Photo: maharlikafilms
















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MOGPOG RICEFIELD. Once a productive ricefield in Nangka, Mogpog, now abandoned after it was covered with silt from Maguila-guila dam and could no longer grow crops. Photo: E.G. Regis