Tag Archives: Pope Francis

International, Law Enforcement, Politics, Religion, Travel

IN HONOR OF POPE FRANCIS’ VISIT, SRI LANKA, PHILIPPINES PARDON AND RELEASE PRISONERS

January 14, 2015 Pol Pinoy 1 Comment

Pardoned: Former Philippines President Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – To mark Pope Francis’ visit, Sri Lanka and the Philippines are granting pardon and releasing prisoners convicted of minor offenses.

The Sri Lanka Prisons Department announced the release of 612 prisoners. Local television networks showed the prisoners walking through prison gates, greeting a Catholic priest and then dispersing to head home.

In the Philippines, President NoyNoy Aquino similarly announced the release of prisoners convicted of, or facing minor charges like plunder, graft and corruption. “I am granting absolute pardon to these prisoners in solidarity with Pope Francis’ call for forgiveness and compassion,” Aquino said.

Here is a partial list of prisoners to pardoned and who will be released as soon as the Pope’s plane lands in Manila:

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos (posthumous)
Former President Joseph Estrada (repeat pardon)
Senator Juan Ponce Enrile
Senator Bong Revilla
Senator Jinggoy Estrada
Businesswoman and pork barrel queen Janet Lim Napoles
Former Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona (impeachment overturn)
Vice President Jejomar Binay (advance pardon)
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas (advance pardon)

Aquino also announced that he will bestow upon actress Nora Aunor the title of National Artist. An apparent change of heart. Walang Himala (There is no miracle).

God bless the Pope. God bless President Aquino.

Business, Religion, The Media, Travel

POPE FRANCIS ARRIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES : POPE MANIA IN MANILA

January 14, 2015 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

Giant billboards welcoming Pope Francis in Manila

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – No rock star can ever compete with the popularity of the Pope in the Philippines, a country where more than two thirds of the 100 Million population are Catholic. Especially Pope Francis.

The streets of Metro Manila, the pontiff’s first leg in his four-day itinerary, are lined with giant billboards, tarpaulin signs, banners and posters with messages of welcome for Francis. It’s Pope Mania in Manila!

Some billboards became the headlines in recent days and were criticized for ‘commercializing’ the papal visit. Especially the Pepsi billboards (see photo).

The pope arrived at Villamor Airbase Friday and his motorcade wound through crowded thoroughfares enroute to Malacañang Palace for a meeting with President NoyNoy Aquino and a select group of Filipino politicians and members of the diplomatic corps.

Shouts and cries of ‘Viva il Pepsi,’ Viva il Pepsi!’ were heard from thousands of Filipinos lining the streets of the metropolis.

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Arts, Politics, Religion

IS THE CONTROVERSIAL POPE FRANCIS PAINTING ACTUALLY A SATIRICAL ARTWORK? NETIZEN WEIGHS IN

January 12, 2015 Pol Pinoy 2 Comments

Screen capture of the painting from Marian Rivera's Facebook page — Screen capture of the painting from Marian Rivera’s Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Yesterday, The Adobo Chronicles published a story about a controversial oil painting by Filipino artist Dante Hipolito. The portrait, ‘Salubong,’ depicts Pope Francis being welcomed by farmers and laborers. Those featured in the painting were actually rich and famous movie stars and politicians.

Many Filipinos reacted passionately to the painting. One such reaction came from netizen Nathan Briones (via the Rappler web site). He thinks the artist intended the painting to be a satirical artwork. You decide.

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.’

Blessed are the rich and famous, for theirs is an oil painting with Pope Francis.