Category Archives: Religion

Law Enforcement, Politics, Religion

AQUINO PROCLAIMS JULY 27 A NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PHILIPPINES, BUT THERE’S A BIG PROBLEM

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imageManila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – July 27 marks the 100th anniverary of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), the largest homegrown Christian church in the Philippines with ministries in 102 countries. It is the most influential of all religious groups in the country with its members voting as a block in local and national elections.

In observance of this centennial milestone, President NoyNoy Aquino signed Joint Resolution no. 2, declaring 27 July 2014 as a special non-working holiday. The resolution was passed by both houses of Congress.

This special day will mark the formal opening of the Philippine Arena (see photo) which is owned by Iglesia Ni Cristo. It is considered the world’s largest indoor arena.

Majority of Filipinos, including members of Iglesia Ni Cristo, are not happy about the proclamation. Shopping malls and restaurants will be closed; public buses, trains and jeepneys will have very limited runs; police and other law enforcement agencies will operate on skeletal force; and museums and  gated public parks will be off limits all day.

July 27, of course, is a Sunday.

It’s More Fun in the Philippines!

 

Human Interest, Law Enforcement, LGBT, Religion

GEORGE W. BUSH, BARACK OBAMA ISSUE JOINT EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING LGBT DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE

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CaptureWashington, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles) – George W. Bush may no longer be president of the United States, but he still wields the power to issue executive orders, albeit under the signature of another president.

President Obama on Monday signed an executive order expanding protections for federal workers and contractors from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“In too many states and in too many workplaces, simply being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender can still be a fireable offense,” Obama said.  “So I firmly believe that it’s time to address this injustice for every American.”

Bush, who is vacationing at the Bush family ranch in Texas, was asked by reporters for his reaction to the new executive order.  “I am happy to do my share in the executive order,” Bush said, “and I commend President Obama for his willingness to collaborate with me in issuing the order.”

Obama’s executive order maintains a provision from a 2002 executive order signed by Bush that exempts religious organizations that discriminate based on religious beliefs. Leaders of both the religious right and the LGBTcommunity have praised the new executive order, saying that never in the history of the United States have they seen two presidents belonging to opposing political parties working together to issue an executive order on a highly controversial issue such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights.

Meanwhile, advocates for comprehensive immigration reform have expressed the hope that Bush and Obama will also work closely together to issue an executive order to grant amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants currently in the country.

Many will recall that in 2002, Bush issued Executive Order 13269 on the expedited naturalization of aliens and noncitizen nationals serving in and active-duty military status during the war on terror. “Perhaps this time, Bush can co-sign an Executive Order with Obama to finally solve our broken immigration system,” the advocates said.

 

Human Interest, International, Law Enforcement, Politics, Religion

IN THE PHILIPPINES, A CIVIL WAR AMONG RIBBONS

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imageManila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – A civil war is brewing in the Philippines. Not the kind of violent or destructive civil war that we have seen in many places worldwide.  Rather, it is a war of colors – colors of the ribbon.

Last week, amid declining popularity as confirmed by recent polls, the beleaguered President NoyNoy Aquino appealed to the Filipino people to show their support for him and his administration by wearing yellow ribbons.  The yellow ribbon has been closely identified with the political opposition in the country, especially during the time of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.  Yellow was the battle cry of Cory Aquino who ascended to the presidency when Marcos fled the country. Her son NoyNoy campaigned on yellow of course.

But NoyNoy’s appeal seemed to have backfired.  Not only are Filipinos not wearing as much yellow ribbon as Aquino would have wanted, but they are wearing other ribbon colors.

Those who believe that their loyalty is to the country and not to the president are wearing ribbons bearing the colors of the Philippine flag — red, white and blue.  Others are urging their countrymen to wear black or grey ribbons to symbolize the demise of decency and honesty in the ranks of political leaders — from senators and congressmen to the president.  Still, many are sporting peach-colored ribbons which they say represent the growing clamor to imPEACH Aquino for his actions recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

In the last few days, many Filipinos have also been seen wearing rainbow-colored ribbons.  At first, it was thought that they represented gay men and women who were against Aquino.  It turns out these were folks belong to Catholic churches who continue to express optimism that when the dust settles and all the political conflicts are finally resolved either by the snail-paced justice system or through people power, the Philippines will be back to normal just like most other democracies. “Doesn’t the rainbow always follow a heavy downpour?” they asked.

So if you plan to visit the Philippines in the near future, you may have to pick your favorite color and  hang out with others sporting the same ribbon that you have on your collar, front shirt pocket or  baseball cap. No matter how you look at it, “It’s More Fun In The Philippines!”