A nation is only as good as its people. No people, no nation. So what is the state of the nation? Numbers don't give the whole picture. You have to live it to know it.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Friday, July 20, 2018
Retards in the Government 58
The numbers this week: 15 PNP officers were fired for extortion, 2 politicians were murdered, and 1 politician was shot.
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| http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/660292/mass-resignation-hits-ciif-omg-after-controversial-palace-nomination/story/ |
The Palace official said he explained to the disgruntled CIIF-OMG officials in a meeting on Thursday to respect Duterte’s decision to pick Lao as the new president.
Medialdea added he was surprised by the resignation of the CIIF-OMG officials even as he clarified that these officials had been serving on a holdover capacity. He said the term of these officials expired on June 30 last year.
“As a matter of fact, there is no need for them to resign. We have all the right to change them. Wala hong nagsasabi sa amin na umalis kayo diyan,” Medialdea said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.
This is a long story worth reading. Click the link and read it. Basically what happened is Duterte appointed someone who is not qualified and is facing charges from the Ombudsman for not filing his SALN's and a few people resigned. The government responded by saying the decision of the President must be respected and that their voices of protest really don't matter. It's indicative of a trend where Duterte appoints whomsoever he will regardless of propriety and their qualifications. Like this:
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1009950/duterte-names-frat-brod-as-comelec-commissioner |
This is not the first fraternity brother he as appointed. Former DOJ Sec. Aguirre was also a frat brother and that appointment ended in disappointment. And there have been many others.
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/898071/bond-of-brothers-lex-talionis-frat-members-get-key-govt-posts |
It would be wiser to not appoint his frat brothers and avoid every appearance of evil.
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1010037/village-chair-killed-in-misamis-oriental |
Another murdered barangay official.
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| http://business.inquirer.net/253923/higher-number-people-eating-reflects-growing-ph-economy-dti |
What kind of economic metric is this? Relying on SWS surveys and on the number of people eating out? That is not hard data in the slightest and the hard data shows that inflation is up, the peso is weak, the government wants to borrow more, and none of the Build 3x programs which are supposed to save the economy have been implemented.
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/13/1833193/proving-robredo-camps-statement-pet-denies-marcos-plea-probe-pansol-outing |
In a resolution dated July 10, 2018, the PET denied the urgent motion to investigate the said outing because the tribunal had already looked into it and concluded its probe into the party.
This statement from the PET proved what the camp of the vice president said on Wednesday that the PET had already investigated into the questioned swimming party.
"[The tribunal resolved to] deny the motion to investigate as the tribunal has already commenced and concluded its investigation relative to the subject 'Pansol outing,'" the resolution said.Could it be that BBM is nothing but a liar?
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/14/1833398/pnp-tracking-down-those-behind-china-province-banners |
“We have people going around conducting overt and covert intelligence efforts to know their motivation,” he said in an interview yesterday with reporters.
The display of the streamers sparked outrage among citizens and netizens who called it a brazen affront to the country’s sovereignty.
Durana said those found responsible for displaying the streamers could be held liable for violating ordinances on littering in public places.
He said they also wanted to know the motive behind the stunt that may have been meant to discredit President Duterte, who is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23 or sow confusion over the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines is filled with garbage from litterbugs with no pride while motorcycle killers prowl the streets with impunity. Meanwhile the PNP is putting all its efforts into finding who put up these banners so they can charge them with littering.
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| https://www.rappler.com/nation/207260-trillanes-says-pnp-removed-security-detail |
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| http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/660393/trillanes-still-has-security-of-afp-pspg/story/ |
Citing the PSPG's evaluation of the request, Escobal said Trillanes currently had a total of six security officers assigned to him: two from the Special Detail Unit HSC GHQ (General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command) AFP, two from the Philippine Navy, and two from the Senate Security Bureau.
Escobal explained that the "non-renewal" of the "excess" PNP security men assigned to Sen Trillianes was in compliance with the Alunan Doctrine which "provides that government officials can only have two security personnel protecting them.
The truth seems to be that Triallnes' extra security detail has not been renewed but he still has a security detail. Surely he can do without a few extra men because Duterte will need PNP officers to distribute as security detail to local executives.
I don't think it will make much of a difference. And what about other local politicians? What about barangay councilmen who have also been murdered recently? They are at risk too.
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| http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/14/18/duterte-to-provide-security-to-local-execs-lmp-chief-says |
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| https://www.rappler.com/nation/207256-mrt-dalian-train-contract-damages-government-audit-report-2017 |
Damaging reports keep emerging form the COA annual audit. This time a Chinese firm is the cause of financial losses.
“Because of conflicting opinions, beliefs and interest, I anticipate that the debate and deliberation will be long and tedious,” he said after the House committee on Constitutional amendments is set convene to tackle the draft Constitution of the Con-Com after President Duterte delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23.It's funny because that is just how government is: long and tedious.
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1010343/muntinlupa-police-chief-8-officers-in-extortion-case-sacked |
The chief of Muntinlupa police and eight of its drug operatives were relieved from their posts after kidnapping a woman and her 7-year-old son in a fake police operation turned robbery-extortion scheme.
There is nothing new here. PNP officers involved with extortion is par for the course.
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| http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/boxing/660503/what-s-next-for-pacquiao-back-to-my-job-as-a-public-servant/story/ |
Manny admits that serving the people does not come first. And he is not the only one. That's why the Philippine government is corrupt. They don't serve the people.
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| http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/07/14/PDEA-HS-college-drug-tests-mandatory-Aaron-Aquino.html |
PDEA earlier said random tests may not be enough to determine the magnitude of drug use among the youth.
Briones said she will study PDEA's proposal.
"We have to do a lot of consultation with the parents, with the rest of society," Briones said Friday.
DepEd ordered drug tests on 21,000 high school students in January, but 7,921 have been tested. Of them, only two tested positive, both for marijuana use.
Briones claimed sampling size can determine the prevalence of drug use among high schoolers, and identify which areas are most affected.
"It is too early to decide whether it is effective or not because the drug testing process has not been completed," she said.
Society should be told that this sort of thing is a draconian invasion of privacy and ought not to be done. Just what do they hope to accomplish by testing everyone? Stopping drug use? And what moral right do they have anyway even if the law is changed? Law does not equal right.
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| https://www.rappler.com/nation/207319-ex-vice-mayor-ferdinand-ramos-shooting-incident-july-14-2018 |
The report said the gunshot hit the left side of Ramos' face. The suspect fled on foot after the incident.
Another politician shot but this time he survived.
The incident happened on the same night as the shooting of ex-vice mayor Ferdinand Ramos of Santo Tomas, Batangas.
Following both incidents, Batangas police have activated Oplan Iron Curtain to pursue the suspects.
Wow! Another politician dead. Nothing surprising here.
The mayor responded by saying this its all politically motivated. Only time will tell.
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| http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/12/18/ombudsman-indicts-olongapo-mayor-other-officials-over-sm-prime-deal |
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/16/1833929/philippines-asean-laggard-fdi |
He said it may have been good that the Philippines – with its “successive ratings upgrades” from the world’s top three debt watchers Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings – got a “40-percent increase” in FDI, but that $7.9 billion is still way below what the rest obtained.
Even in terms of ease-of-doing-business, like in registering a real estate property, Hanoi beat Manila since it only takes five steps in Vietnam – the same number it takes in Muslim-dominated Indonesia – as against the nine steps here in the Philippines. It takes four steps in fully developed Singapore as well as Laos and three in Thailand.
Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting nevertheless expressed belief that the new ease-of-doing-business law that President Duterte has signed will be beneficial to both local and foreign enterpreneurs, for the business industry in particular and the country in general.
“It is about time that we catch up with our ASEAN neighbors,” Tambunting said.
“I am elated that this very important piece of legislation has been signed by President Duterte,” he added.
Comparing the country’s business procedures with those of its Asian counterparts, Tambunting pointed out that in starting a business, the Philippine has 16 steps compared to six for Laos and Thailand, and three in Malaysia and Singapore.
The administration lawmaker, who heads the House of Representatives’ games and amusement committee and who sits as vice chairman of the ways and means committee, quoted a recent World Bank report.
“On paying taxes, the Philippines has 36 payments, (a figure) close to that of Myanmar’s 31 and Brunei’s 27; and, almost three times that of Malaysia, which is 13, and more than seven times than that of Singapore, five payments,” Tambunting noted.Philippines economic managers tell us that FDI is up. Turns out it is not up by much. And for good reason. What foreigner wants to deal with all the hassle in setting up a business in the Philippines they are not even allowed to fully own?
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| https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1753085/Tacloban/Local-News/Suspected-NPA-barangay-exec-nabbed-in-Samar |
The barangay official was identified as Ruth Figueroa, reportedly the head of Bayan Muna-Northern Samar. The two others were not named.
"Ms. Figueroa appears to be closely working with Ms Bartolo," Lt. Gen. Paul Atal, commander of the AFP-Central Command said, after the group were arrested together onboard a vehicle. They were nabbed for allegedly carrying firearms.A barangay captain who is also NPA.
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1010777/nbi-files-case-vs-former-president-aquino-others-over-dengvaxia-issue |
In a letter to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales dated July 13, 2018, the NBI said: “There is technical malversation because government funds amounting to P3 billion intended for the 2015 Miscellaneous Personnel Benefit Fund (MPBF) of the Executive Department was utilized for the procurement of Dengvaxia under the DOH school-based immunization program. Although the source of fund was declared as savings by the Chief Executive, its intended purpose failed as there is no existing rpograms, activity or project for dengue procurement and immunization.”
How many cases have been filed over this issue now? How many more will there be?
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1010933/palace-body-sets-probe-of-graft-in-trece-martires |
The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) sets off this week a fact-finding mission that will run parallel the police probe into the killing of this city’s vice mayor, Alexander Lubigan.
The PACC is going to investigate the alleged graft of this small time vice mayor who was murdered last week. Why? What authority to do they have? Will they be investigating all the agencies red flagged in the COA annual audit?
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1010931/coa-full-operations-of-apeco-are-in-doubt |
Although the national government had invested up to P1 billion since 2008 to develop a 12,923-hectare free port in Aurora province, there has been no evidence that the free port was ready to be fully operational by 2021, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).
The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco), given a total appropriation of P1.8 billion, “had yet to present significant desirable outcomes and would be hard put to be fully operational as targeted within the next four years,” according to the COA report.
This is turning into a common theme. Millions or billions spent on projects which never manifest.
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| http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/660434/dureza-asks-afp-to-return-p192-5-m-pamana-fund-for-maguindanao-road-projects/story/ |
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza has asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to return P192.5 million released in 2012 for some road projects in Maguindanao under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program that remains unimplemented.
The AFP has had six years to build a road but they did not. What happened to all the money?
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) was unable to fully implement P46.6 billion worth of funded projects due to frequent changes in policy, causing the transport problems in the country to persist, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.
The COA report on the DOTr for 2017 said these changes in “policy directions by political leaders and economic managers” resulted in the failed or delayed implementation of 153 out of 159 DOTr projects last year worth P58.9 billion.RED TAPE! Red tape is suffocating the nation.
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| https://www.rappler.com/nation/207544-leonen-urges-more-scrutiny-corruption-judiciary-philppines |
Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said the challenge to a truly independent judiciary is corruption, and that there should be more scrutiny from the public, especially lawyers.
"The number of cases disciplining judges, court personnel and lawyers on several grounds indicates that corruption exists. We all know that it happens, yet we do not speak about it openly,” Leonen said at a judicial independence forum on Tuesday, July 17, at the University of the Philippines (U.P).
An SC justice admitting the judiciary is corrupt! Good. We need to hear this from them. Then we need action.
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/18/1834592/peoples-initiative-eyed-2019-no-elections |
If the Senate will not agree to postpone next year’s elections, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and his allies may initiate a people’s initiative so voters can directly propose a constitutional amendment that will stop the 2019 polls.
In a radio interview, Alvarez said he hoped senators and congressmen could agree on scrapping the midterm elections in May next year to give lawmakers more time to work on the proposed constitution that would pave the way for a federal system of government.
If not, he said citizens supporting federalism may resort to the people’s initiative mode of proposing a charter amendment to postpone the elections.
In order to change the constitution we have to first amend the current constitution. Brilliant! Thank goodness there are people who are against this imbecility.
Let's hope so.
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1011626/lacson-senators-will-fight-tooth-and-nail-vs-postponement-of-2019-polls |
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| https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/18/polangui-mayor-4-others-suspended-for-defying-environment-law/ |
In a phone interview by the Manila Bulletin with Vice Mayor Herbert Borja, who is now the acting mayor, he confirmed that the suspension order was served last Monday at 10:30 in the morning.
He said that the suspension order was served last Monday, although the date of suspension was still last 2015 when Raul Lim was still the vice mayor of Polangui town.
He admitted that the open dumpsite located in Sitio Barogo, Brgy. Sugcad was already rehabilitated but instead of putting up a controlled dump site, another open dumpsite was established in Brgy Quinartilan this municipality.
“We are doing our best to comply with the law. The LGU is working for it,” Borja said.Not clear on what happened here but it seems they had an open dumpsite that did not comply with the law. So much garbage in this country. I'm telling you garbage to electricity plants will solve the trash problem and the electricity problem.
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| https://www.rappler.com/nation/207612-philippines-legal-fees-south-china-sea-case-still-unpaid |
Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also disclosed in a congressional hearing on May 30 that the Philippines has not completely paid its legal fees.
It's not as if the Philippines, the current administration at least, cares about this ruling enough to enforce it. Why should they pay the lawyer for something they don't want?
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| http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/18/18/philippines-could-breach-us-sanctions-if-russia-arms-deal-proceeds |
A senior Philippine general familiar with the deal said Manila had agreed in October last year to a 400 million peso ($7.48 million) purchase of 750 RPG-7B rocket-propelled grenade launchers from Russia's state-owned Rosoboronexport, but the transfer had yet to be completed.
U.S. sanctions were imposed last year against any country trading with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors.
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| http://globalnation.inquirer.net/168509/palace-downplays-us-sanction-vs-ph-regarding-russia-arms-deal-palace-us-law-russia-grenade-launchers-roque |
“As a professor of international law and constitutional law, I do not know how they can enforce a US domestic legislation on a sovereign state, on a transaction that will not occur in US soil,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.Harry Roque does not understand so let me explain. The Philippines is free to buy weapons from Russia but the result will be that the USA will impose sanctions on the Philippines for doing so.
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| http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1011899/ncrpo-chief-sacks-6-mpd-cops-for-extortion |
On Wednesday night, DSOU operatives arrested eight individuals for alleged human trafficking but later on purportedly asked them to pay P100,000 for their release.
The two parties haggled and the amount was reduced to P50,000. At this point, a relative of the suspects sought the help of the CITF, which consequently prepared an entrapment operation.
These extortion cases are interesting in that the PNP officers always shoot high but settle for a low number. They can't even do extortion right!
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| http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/19/18/coa-flags-philippine-coconut-authority-for-overpriced-corn-other-irregularities |
The Commission on Audit has questioned the purchases of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) regional offices, saying these were overpriced by over a million.
Regional offices purchased corn seeds which were supposedly overpriced by P1.073 million, government auditors said in its 2017 audit report on the PCA.
It said the purchase of Regions I-IV of 3,000 kilos of glutinous corn seeds and 1,428 kilos of yellow hybrid corn, with a total amount of P1.660 million was “disadvantageous to the government.”Like I said before, every agency of this administration is racked with financial irregularities!
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| http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/19/18/sandiganbayan-dismisses-case-vs-ex-camsur-gov-3-others-over-inordinate-delay |
Citing delays in the prosecution of the case, the Sandiganbayan 5th Division has dismissed graft charges against former Camarines Sur Governor Luis Villafuerte Sr. in connection with an allegedly anomalous fertilizer purchase in 2004.
In the court's resolution, cases of other former provincial officers Leticia Aliorde, Mario Alicaway and Jennifer Uy were likewise dismissed.
Villafuerte had argued in his dismissal plea that the illegal acts alleged against him supposedly occurred in 2004, 14 years ago.
He said his defense has “seriously been impaired to his grave prejudice” as the records are no longer with the provincial government and the witnesses have long been gone from public service.
The prosecution, however, stated that Villafuerte failed to show “any particular prejudice caused to them by the alleged delay.”
But the court ruled that the Ombudsman had committed a "palpable violation... of the accused's right to speedy disposition of cases."
The right to a speedy trial is a fundamental right but in the Philippines the courts move so slow that you best hope is to wait for years and then file a dismissal plea.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Guns N' Roses to Play Venue Owned By Iglesia Ni Cristo
This November Guns N' Roses, the apotheosis of 80's hard rock, will be playing Manila for the first time EVER! They will rock your socks off with all their hits. They wanna hear you scream!
The venue is the Philippine Arena which has hosted acts such as Katy Perry, Eat Bulaga, and various PFB games. But did you know...
THE PHILIPPINE ARENA IS OWNED BY THE IGLEISA NI CRISTO!!
Yes that means if you go see Guns N' Roses play their first ever Manila show you will be filling the coffers of this Bad Religion, the INC. What a conundrum for rock fans! But why is Guns N' Roses playing this venue? Why did Katy Perry play this venue? Why was Chris Brown slated to play this venue? (He subsequently cancelled and a brouhaha ensued.)
The stated purpose of this arena is to promote wholesome clean living.
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| http://sports.inquirer.net/13449/biggest-sports-dome-not-for-profit |
“The Arena,” stressed my source, “is being built not to make a profit. In fact, it is not even commercialized nor aimed at making money.”
On the contrary, the complex aims to establish itself as a wholesome gathering place for people and an entertainment venue for the whole family, serving as a venue for religious, cultural and sporting events. Besides, my source said, the Philippine Arena could help boost the country’s tourism industry.
Look at these ticket prices from Katy Perry's 2015 tour.
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| http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/371266/philippine-arena-open-for-use-by-non-iglesia-orgs-officials-say/story/ |
Ticket Prices:
VIP – P15,900
Patron – P13,500
Lower Box Premium – P10,500
Lower Box Regular – P8,900
Upper Box A Premium – P6,000
Upper Box A Regular – P4,000
Upper Box B Premium – P3,000
Upper Box B Regular – P900
Here are the ticket prices for Guns N' Roses:
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| http://www.philippineconcerts.com/foreign/guns-n-roses-live-in-manila-2018/ |
Ticket Prices:
P15,595 – Platinum
P13,390 – Lower Box A Premium
P10,080 – Lower Box A Regular
P7,875 – Lower Box B Premium
P5,670 – Lower Box B Regular
P2,365 – Upper Box A
P1,575 – Upper Box B Premium
P1,050 – Upper Box B Regular
P840 – Upper Box B Sides
These tickets are more expensive than Katy Perry's. Is this what they mean by "No profit"?
While waiting for the show itself, GNR fans can hang out at The Philippine Arena’s VIP Lounge and Entertainment Tent, which will have a food fair, bazaars, motoring and sports exhibits, and a grand fireworks display.
Transportation to the venue will consist of Point-to-Point (P2P) shuttle buses. Bus schedules and pickup points will be posted at strategic locations.
The venue likewise offes a staycation package, with more than 400 housing units available for overnight stay. For reservations, log on to philippinearena.net, or visit Official Philippine Arena on Facebook, or contact 09163372756.
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/296817/preparations-guns-n-roses-philippine-arena-concert-underway/
Yeah right! 400 housing units for overnight stay is just to make costs. So is all the food and the shuttle buses. Guns N' Roses is playing a charity event.
What about the Philippine Arena being a venue for good old fashioned wholesome family entertainment?
The Iglesia Ni Cristo-owned Philippine Arena will be available for use by interested Filipino and international organizations provided their activities will be in accordance with the Bible’s teachings, church officials said Monday.
“We reserve the right to determine what kinds of activities will be held here based on wholesome Christian principles and values that our church upholds,” Iglesia Ni Cristo evangelist Bro. Bienvenido Santiago Jr. said during the arena's inauguration.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/371266/philippine-arena-open-for-use-by-non-iglesia-orgs-officials-say/story/
Wow! I never knew Guns N' Roses was a band with "wholesome Christian principles and values" that the INC upholds.
They may not hold Christian values but it sure looks like Guns N' Roses is good wholesome family fun.
It's all Lies, Lies, Lies from the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Which makes their arena the perfect venue for Guns N' Roses' first ever Manila concert.
It's all Lies, Lies, Lies from the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Which makes their arena the perfect venue for Guns N' Roses' first ever Manila concert.
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