The God Culture: What Is Faith - Biblically?

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture has been posting the definitions of what he considers to be foundational doctrines. What is the Sabbath, what is Israel, what is the Gospel? But in this article I shall dissect his definition of faith. 

What Is Faith?

FOUNDATIONS

What Is Faith—Biblically?

Faith in Scripture is not optimism, emotion, or mental agreement.

Biblical faith is trust proven by obedience.

The debate of faith versus works is one that has raged since the time of Christ. But Tim is the only person I know who has defined faith AS works! For Tim faith isn't just trust, it is trust proven by obedience. Trust in what? He does not say. Obedience to what? Well, Tim is very adamant in his teachings it is obedience to the law.  

From the beginning, faith was never defined by words alone.

Genesis 15:6 (KJV)

And he believed in Yahuah; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Abram’s faith was credited as righteousness before Sinai, before Israel, and before any national identity. Faith was already covenantal—anchored in trust and submission to Yahuah. 

The prophets affirmed the same definition:

Habakkuk 2:4 (KJV)

The just shall live by his faith.

Faith is not static belief.

It is something one lives.

Now, this may seem orthodox but it is not. Tim does not actually believe faith makes anyone righteous. Abraham was righteous because he kept the law. 

16:44 Abraham kept the law and the sabbath. And so did Isaac and Jacob.  I mean how can they be called righteous if there was no law by which they could be judged as righteous? The very notion is ridiculous from the start.

Sabbath Series: Introduction Commentary Only

What law you might ask? Why the very law which came 430 years after the promise given to Abraham (Galatians 3:17) and was revealed on Sinai to Moses. Tim gets this doctrine from Jubilees which says the patriarchs kept that same law before it was revealed. In fact, the law is what redeems us!

19:30 So this is another example that we aren't to just have faith in Yahusha. That’s not enough. That’s not it.  No, no, no, no. We are to keep His commandments.

Sabbath Series: Part 5: The End Times Sabbath

40:11 The law is what redeems us.

The Law of Sin and Death. What is it? NOT The Law of Moses! WHAT DID PAUL SAY?"

So, any notion of faith Tim has necessarily includes law keeping.  

Scripture then defines faith clearly—not as imagination, but as confidence that results in action:

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11 does not praise belief without action. Every example acts, obeys, builds, leaves, offers, or endures. Faith is demonstrated by movement in alignment with Yahuah’s will.

James makes this unmistakable:

James 2:17 (KJV)

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Biblically, works do not replace faith—they reveal it. Obedience does not compete with faith—it confirms it.

Faith is action affirmed in Paul (whom James never rebuked but agreed) who said:

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

Created in Yahusha unto good works... that we should walk in them (act).

James 2:17 (KJV)

But faith which worketh by love.

Paul. James and all the Apostles agreed on this.

Yahusha taught the same reality:

John 5:19 (KJV)

The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do…

Faith follows.

Faith listens.

Faith obeys.

The Biblical Conclusion

Faith is not intellectual assent.

Faith is not inherited.

Faith is not claimed by title, nor by saying a prayer alone.

Faith is covenant trust expressed through obedience.

This section is not much different from the Roman Catholics or the Eastern Orthodox who teach that faith is best defined as faithfulness which is expressed through works. All three (Tim, the RC, and the EO) make the category error of confusing saving faith which justifies versus sanctification which is the natural outworking of our saving faith. I don't believe I have ever heard Tim discuss the doctrine of justification. 

Tim has not defined faith Biblically at all. More importantly he has not even discussed the OBJECT of faith which is Jesus Christ. Why would he do omit something so important? He has only discussed the results of faith, presumably in Christ. He also appears to think that anyone can exercise faith by being obedient. Has he forgotten that all men are dead in sins, objects of wrath, blinded in their minds, not seeking God, and cannot come to Jesus Christ on their own? Jesus Himself said no man can come to Him! 

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 

No man can come to Christ except he is drawn by and it is GIVEN UNTO HIM of the Father. That is because man is dead in sins. We need to be regenerated or quickened. And then faith is GIVEN TO US. Faith is a gift, it is not a work or something we produce. 

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2 is a great chapter about faith and yet Tim only cited verse 10 about good works. He has purposefully left out all the crucial information about that faith which he is attempting to define Biblically. 

Let's take a look at two documents that do define faith Biblically. The first is the Canons of Dort, Heads 3/4 Article 14. 

In this way, therefore, faith is a gift of God, not in the sense that it is offered by God for people to choose, but that it is in actual fact bestowed on them, breathed and infused into them. Nor is it a gift in the sense that God bestows only the potential to believe, but then awaits assent—the act of believing—by human choice; rather, it is a gift in the sense that God who works both willing and acting and, indeed, works all things in all people and produces in them both the will to believe and the belief itself.

https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/canons-dort#toc-the-third-and-fourth-main-points-of-doctrine

The second is Article 14 of the Westminster Confession of Faith.

1. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word, by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.

2. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

3. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory; growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.

https://thewestminsterstandard.org/the-westminster-confession/#Chapter%20XIV

Both of those definitions are Biblical and say the same thing. Namely, faith is a gift worked in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. 

In his definition Tim refers to Hebrews 11. But after listing all the many great men of faith and their deeds Paul says:

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The WCF notes that by faith we do yield obedience but the principal acts of faith consist not in obedience but in "accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace." This faith is worked in us fully by Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.  That is a far cry from the doctrine Tim has proposed which lacks an object in which faith is to trust.

Tim's followers will of course drink his definition of faith quite gladly and even those who know him not yet stumble upon it might say amen. But Tim's doctrine of faith betrays an erroneous theology, Christology, anthropology, and soteriology. Man is dead in sins, God must regenerate him and draw Him to Christ, and the Spirit works faith in man so that he is born again and can believe in the good news Christ brings. That is the Biblical definition of faith. Tim's definition of faith, which has not Christ for its object, robs the believer of assurance because it makes salvation dependent on the quality of their own "proven obedience" rather than the finished work of Christ.

Retards in the Government 458

 It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/21/rizal-ppo-orders-probe-on-viral-cop-caught-riding-without-safety-gear

The Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) has launched an investigation into a police officer who was caught on camera riding a motorcycle without wearing any protective gear, which has become viral on social media and earned the ire of netizens.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Feb. 21, Rizal PPO director Col. Eleazar Barber Jr. ordered a probe to identify the policeman as well as the details and context of the incident.

"The Rizal PPO has a clear policy regarding strict compliance with traffic laws, including the mandatory wearing of helmets in accordance with existing laws and internal regulations of the Philippine National Police," Barber said.

"If violations are proven, we will not hesitate to impose appropriate administrative sanctions in accordance with existing regulations. Our ranks are expected to be an example of discipline, integrity, and compliance with the law at all times, especially to the public," he added.

The director explained that any means of violating the law is unacceptable, especially to the police force, noting that each and every Rizal policeman is expected to be a role model of following the law and maintaining discipline.

He also urged the public to report any misconduct or incident involving members of the police force.

"The Rizal PPO remains open to feedback and will continue to serve with integrity and accountability to the people of Rizal Province," the director noted.

The Rizal Police Provincial Office has launched an investigation into a police officer who was caught on camera riding a motorcycle without wearing any protective gear.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/21/pro-9-probes-cop-for-evading-lto-checkpoint

The Police Regional Office-9 is investigating a policeman for allegedly evading a Land Transportation Office checkpoint in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the police officer was flagged down by LTO personnel due to the absence of a side mirror in his motorcycle.

The police officer, however, sped away after being informed of his violation. 

In a press statement issued on Saturday, PRO-9 said they do not condone nor tolerate any act committed by personnel that violates the law or shows disrespect towards fellow law enforcers.

“Such behavior is unacceptable and runs contrary to the core values of professionalism, accountability, and integrity that the organization upholds,” the PRO-9 said.

The police officer has been identified but PRO-9 did not divulge his identity. He is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation and is facing administrative and possible criminal charges.

“We assure the public that all PRO-9 personnel are consistently reminded that obedience to the rule of law is paramount and that no one is above it, regardless of rank or position.” 

The PRO-9 asked the public to continue reporting any incidents involving violations of the law or abuse of authority by their personnel.

The Police Regional Office-9 is investigating a policeman for allegedly evading a Land Transportation Office checkpoint in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/20/coa-recommends-prosecuriton-of-davao-city-dpwh-officials-contractor-on-p144-m-disallowed-payment

The Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended the prosecution of several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao City District Engineering Office (DPWH-DCDEO) and E. Gardiola Construction (EGC) based on the P14.46 million notice of disallowance (ND) it issued on a road project in 2012.

The referral was made to the Office of the Ombudsman as the COA affirmed the ND it issued against DPWH-DCDEO on the payment of P14.46 million to EGC for the project that was deemed to be substandard and yet “434.30 percent higher” than the allowable cost.

The DPWH-DCDEO contested Notice of Disallowance (ND) No. 14-007-101 dated March 24, 2014 on the payment made to EGC for the project "Rehabilitation/Improvement along Manuel Roxas Avenue, with Exception, Davao City."

In denying the appeal, the COA affirmed the alleged liability of District Engineer Lorna T. Ricardo; engineers Milagros Delos Reyes, Dwight Vincent Fernandez, Eduardo Villar, and Lilibeth Sarmiento; Emilio Sucaldito; Francisco Pilapil; and EGC for the amount of P14,466,065.82.

On the other hand, it excluded from liability engineers Gregorio Yee, Joselito Jamito, Cecilia Barrientos, Ma. Gloria G. Sorrera and Perry Neil B. Palacio; Nelson B. Luayon; Resituto D. Mira; and Rolly B. Tulayba.

"The Prosecution and Litigation Office, Legal Services Sector, this Commission, is directed to refer this case to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation and filing of appropriate charges, if warranted, against the persons liable for the transaction," the COA said in its decision.

The 17-page decision was signed by Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba and Commissioners Roland Cafe Pondoc and Mario G. Lipana.

The COA’s special audit team (SAT) said that the contract cost for the road project was P19,279,365.89, which was 434.30 percent higher than the COA allowable cost of P3,608,339.70. As a result, the COA said the contract price was considered to be excessive by P15,671,026.19.

Despite the high contract cost, the COA said its SAT discovered that the as-built plans failed to comply with the planning standards set by the DPWH as they did not indicate measurements and landmarks.

Actual inspection of the project also revealed that most rails, bolts, nuts, and washers were rusty, and the road signs and pavement studs were likewise found to be substandard, it said.

While the DPWH said that 267 sets of guardrails were installed, the SAT countered that the said guardrails were already installed even before commencement of the project.

District Engineer Ricardo filed the appeal and argued that their right to due process of law was violated as the SAT Report was only furnished to them after the issuance of the ND.

The appeal pointed out that the SAT did not conduct an exit conference prior to the issuance of the ND, and that the ND did not contain detailed computation of the disallowed amount.

The COA ruled that the appeal lacked merit. It explained that an exit conference is conducted after completion of the audit on the field wherein the auditors discuss the findings with key officials of the agency.

"It is the culminating activity of the execution phase of the audit. It is not a prerequisite for the issuance of an ND," the COA explained.

It pointed out that an ND may be issued as often as disallowances are made by the auditor to notify the agency head, the accountant, and the persons liable for the amount disallowed in the audit.

It noted that the ND was issued after hearing the arguments and justifications of the DPWH-DCDEO.

The commission affirmed the propriety of the issuance of the ND and stressed that the evidence to support overpricing is not limited to sales invoices or official receipts. It said that the findings of overpricing may be supported with canvass sheets or price quotations.

The Commission on Audit has recommended the prosecution of several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao City District Engineering Office and E. Gardiola Construction  based on the P14.46 million notice of disallowance it issued on a road project in 2012.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/21/sandiganbayan-affirms-graft-conviction-of-ex-qc-administrator-cuna

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its decision that convicted former Quezon City administrator Aldrin C. Cuña of graft in the P25.3-million solar power and waterproofing contract for a city building in 2019.

In its resolution issued last Feb. 19, the anti-graft court’s third division upheld its Dec. 12, 2025 decision which sentenced Cuña to six to eight years imprisonment with perpetual disqualification from holding any public office and loss of all retirement or gratuity benefits.

Cuña filed his motion for reconsideration (MR) on Jan. 5, 2026. He alleged that the court failed to appreciate that the Acceptance and Inspection Report (AIR) of the General Services Department (GSD) was the document issued by the Quezon City government that finally accepted the project from the contractor, Cygnet Energy and Power Asia Inc., and not the Acknowledgment Receipt for Equipment (ARE) and Sub-Acknowledgment Receipt for Equipment (Sub-ARE).

He also alleged that the criminal indictment only charged him on the ground of his issuance of an undated certificate of acceptance, and he was not charged for his signature in the ARE, Sub-ARE, and disbursement voucher.

The anti-graft court denied his motion. “Here, the variance between the undated Certificate of Acceptance vis-a-vis the ARE, sub-ARE, and initials in the disbursement voucher did not materially impair Cuña's right to prepare his defense," it said.

It also said that “contrary to Cuña's assertion, he was able to sufficiently defend himself, even testifying as to the validity of the ARE, sub-ARE, and his initials in the disbursement voucher."

The court stressed that Cuña should have been aware that the net-metering is a requirement under the Supply and Delivery Agreement, and he could not blame his subordinates and claim good faith when he signed the undated Certificate of Acceptance, ARE, Sub-ARE, and Disbursement Voucher.

“Cuña failed to raise any profound arguments and legal and factual basis to counteract the court's findings that he gave unwarranted benefits and advantages to Cygnet through his gross inexcusable negligence," it pointed out.

The 13-page resolution was written by Associate Justice Ronald B. Moreno with the concurrence of Chairperson Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda and Associate Justice Fritz Bryn Anthony M. Delos Santos.

While Cuña was convicted, his co-accused -- former Quezon City Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista -- was acquitted of the same charge due to the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Bautista and Cuña were initially accused of making the full payment to Cygnet Energy and Power Asia Inc. for the Supply and Installation of Solar Power System and Waterproofing Works for Civic Center Building worth P25,342,359.25.

The prosecution said Cygnet was not entitled to the said amount due to its failure to get the Net Metering System from the Manila Electric Company which was a requirement of the Supply and Delivery Agreement.

Cuña was convicted because he signed the Acknowledgment Receipts for Equipment and initialed the disbursement voucher despite the lack of the required of Net Metering System.

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its decision that convicted former Quezon City administrator Aldrin C. Cuña of graft in the P25.3-million solar power and waterproofing contract for a city building in 2019.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/24/dilg-files-charges-vs-12-bfp-officials-in-slot-for-sale-scheme

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed  administrative charges against 12 former and active officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for their alleged involvement in the illegal recruitment and inspection irregularities.

In a statement, the DILG said those charged include pBFP personnel in Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Calabrzon.

The DILG noted that in BFP Region VIII, four former senior officials were charged for their alleged involvement in a slot-for-sale scheme during the 2025 Fire Officer 1 recruitment.

Reports disclosed that the applicants were allegedly required to pay between P400,000 to P800,000 in exchange for guaranteed inclusion in the final recruitment list.

“All four respondents have been placed under ninety-day preventive suspension to prevent interference and protect the integrity of the proceedings,’’ the BFP said.

Likewise, the DILG noted that six BFP Region X officials have also been formally charged for recruitment irregularities, including the approval of applicants without required medical, physical and dental clearances and the failure to properly release examination results.

“The issuance of preventive suspension orders will be resolved upon evaluation of their submitted answers,’’ the DILG added.

In BFP Region IV-A, the DILG said that two personnel were charged for alleged irregularities in fire safety inspection practices, involving violations of established inspection protocols.

The DILG also pointed out that administrative proceedings are underway against a BFP Region 1 fire officer for allegedly demanding p90,000 in exchange for facilitating a recruitment slot.

“A formal charge has been issued along with an order of preventive suspension for 90 days,’’ the DILG said.

Currently, the DILG Task Force overseeing accountability measures within the Bureau of Fire Protection has received approximately 40 complaints, 21 of which have already been referred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for investigation and case buildup.

The DILG reiterated that these actions form part of a sustained effort to enforce accountability, uphold merit-based recruitment, and restore public trust in the BFP.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has filed  administrative charges against 12 former and active officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection for their alleged involvement in the illegal recruitment and inspection irregularities.

https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2026/02/24/2510115/two-suspects-confess-councilman-orders-hit-fellow-official

Two suspects in the shooting that wounded a councilman in Barangay Luca, Balamban last week have been arrested and have pointed to another incumbent councilman as the alleged mastermind behind the attack.

Police identified the suspects as Robert Borres Alcantara, 42, a resident of Barangay Tagbao, Cebu City, and Roger Markit Doncillo, 48, of Barangay Cabasiangan, Balamban.

The two were arrested during a hot pursuit operation on Sunday, February 22, in connection with the shooting of Renato Pacquiao Tribunalo, 54, an incumbent councilman of Barangay Luca.

Earlier reports said that on the afternoon of February 19, Tribunalo was inside his residence in Barangay Cantuod, Balamban, fixing an air-conditioning unit when he was shot in the right chest by a gunman later identified as Alcantara. The suspect allegedly fled on a motorcycle driven by Doncillo, who was waiting nearby.

Authorities were able to identify the suspects on February 21 with the help of concerned citizens who recognized them through closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage gathered during the investigation.

On February 22, police first arrested Alcantara around 5 p.m. at his residence in Barangay Tagbao, Cebu City. Two hours later, Doncillo surrendered to authorities in Barangay Lusaran, also in Cebu City.

A third individual, identified as 21-year-old John Lloyd Leyson Medio of Barangay Cabasiangan, Balamban, was also arrested for allegedly attempting to obstruct the hot pursuit operation.

In an interview over XFM Cebu 88.3, ​​Alcantara and Doncillo admitted their participation in the shooting, claiming they were promised ?30,000 for the job. Alcantara alleged that he was ordered by another incumbent councilman of Barangay Luca, whose name The Freeman withheld pending his reaction, to shoot Tribunalo. He said Doncillo accompanied him as the motorcycle driver during their escape.

According to Alcantara, they only received ?2,000 as down payment and were not paid the remaining amount because they failed to carry out the alleged instruction to kill the victim.

"We have not received anything because the work has not been completed... Dos mil (only)," Alcantara said.

He claimed that the mastermind had instructed them only to injure Tribunalo and not to kill him, although he said he did not know the reason behind it. Alcantara further alleged that the firearm used in the shooting belonged to the councilman and that he returned it after the incident.

Alcantara expressed remorse for the crime, saying it was the first time he had been hired to shoot someone. For his part, Doncillo admitted agreeing to serve as the getaway driver in exchange for money.

Balamban Mayor Amos Edwin Cabahug, who personally visited the police station, said that politics could be a possible motive behind the attack, noting the allegations made by the suspects.

Cabahug urged the councilman implicated in the foiled murder attempt to surrender and answer the accusations.

"It would be good if he would just surrender because that's what he told the suspects, he was the one who sent them," the mayor said, referring to the suspects' claim that the councilman promised them ?30,000 but paid only ?2,000 after they failed to kill Tribunalo.

Cabahug also revealed that Tribunalo is reportedly eyeing a bid for barangay captain of Luca in the November 2026 elections. He noted that the victim previously served as the first councilor of the barangay.

The mayor called on aspiring candidates in Balamban to uphold peace and fairness as the barangay elections approach.

"I wished for the chance to run in politics so that such an event would not happen here in Balamban where we would kill each other. Ours, this is just politics, we are fair," he said.

Two suspects in the shooting that wounded a councilman in Barangay Luca, Balamban last week have been arrested and have pointed to another incumbent councilman as the alleged mastermind behind the attack.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1269819

Two persons, including a barangay captain in Lagayan, Abra, died while three others were injured in an attack in Abra’s capital town of Bangued on Tuesday night.

A police report on Wednesday identified those killed as Collago barangay captain Ezequiel Parado and Collago resident, Arlene Dorias.

Those injured are Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) member Ailyn Parado, Edron Salingbay, and Jaypee Gacayan, all residents of Collago.

Initial reports said that Ezequiel and Ailyn Parado were aboard a dark blue Toyota Fortuner with plate number NVR 11 while the others were aboard a green Nissan Frontier pick-up with plate number XRZ 889.

Police said the victims were traversing Calaba Bridge in Bangued, going to Barangay Mudeng in La Paz municipality at about 6:20 p.m., when assailants riding a white pick-up vehicle opened fire at them.

Personnel of the Dolores municipal police station, who were on their way to the Abra Police Provincial Office in Bangued, saw the victims' vehicles and reported the incident to the Bangued police station.

The Dolores police personnel rushed the victims to Abra’s provincial hospital, but two of them were pronounced dead by attending physicians.

Another barangay captain has been assassinated. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2186840/remulla-chides-bulacan-guv-for-alleged-road-abuse-dont-act-like-a-king

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said he chided Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando for allegedly abusively using the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

In a press briefing in Quezon City, the secretary maintained that his office received “many” complaints regarding Fernando’s purported use of the road, alleging that the latter had an entourage of two vans and a sports utility vehicle occupying four NLEX lanes when travelling.

“It has become Governor Fernando’s usual behavior that, when he travels along NLEX, he takes up four lanes where [other motorists] can’t overtake,” Remulla said, speaking Filipino.

“It has to stop. A governor should not act like a king. You should respect the people’s rights also,” he added.

Remulla said he had called Fernando on Sunday morning, after a report circulated online that the governor’s motorcade allegedly blocked and harassed a vehicle believed to be carrying a son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The secretary said, in their 10-minute conversation, Fernando denied the alleged incident.

The DILG chief further noted that he had referred the case to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and deferred to the said agency when pressed for details.

Fernando has yet to issue a statement on the matter. The Inquirer is working to reach him for comment. It will published his side once available. 

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said he chided Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando for allegedly abusively using the Northern Luzon Expressway.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/25/ethics-complaint-filed-vs-bato-over-prolonged-absence

An ethics complaint was filed on Wednesday, Feb. 25, against Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa by a civil society group called “Wag Kang KuCorrupt,” led by former Finance Undersecretary Prof. Cielo Magno. 

The complaint stems from the senator’s prolonged absence from his official duties in the Senate, which has exceeded three months. 

According to the complaint, Dela Rosa’s persistent failure to report for duty is not only a neglect of his responsibilities but also constitutes a grave abuse of the privilege and trust granted to him by the people as a senator. 

The complaint further emphasized that if ordinary workers and employees were continuously absent from work, they would automatically be denied pay and, in many cases, face disciplinary action, salary deductions, suspension, or even termination. 

"What we are asking for is a sanction, similar to that given to an ordinary worker who faces disciplinary action when they fail to do their job," she said. 

Magno expressed hope that the Senate Committee on Ethics would promptly act on the complaint filed against Dela Rosa and impose appropriate sanctions. 

She added that the upper chamber should not tolerate such conduct—namely, the continued absence and failure to perform the duties of a senator. 

According to Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, there are currently six ethics complaints pending before the panel.

An ethics complaint has been field against Senator Bato for not showing up to do his job after several months. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Balloon and Music Festival, Discounted Ticketing, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

Tourism is rebounding in the post-pandemic region of the ASEAN but the Philippines is lagging behind. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/309555/ph-lags-asean-in-tourism-rebound

The Philippines is among the slowest to recover in intra-Asean tourism, lagging behind most Southeast Asian neighbors despite a regionwide rebound, according to Asean tourism statistics from 2019 to 2024 by the Asean Statistics Division (ASEANstats).

An analysis by University of the Philippines associate professor and Inquirer data scientist Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao showed that even before the pandemic, the Philippines trailed far behind regional tourism leaders. In 2019, it logged 526,832 intra-Asean visitors, a modest figure compared with Malaysia’s 17.9 million and Thailand’s 10.8 million.

The pandemic then dealt a deeper blow. Visitor numbers plunged to 7,773 in 2021, one of the steepest contractions in the region.

While Asean travel began recovering in 2022, the Philippines’ rebound remained subdued. Arrivals climbed to 188,205 in 2022 and 484,465 in 2024, still below pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, Malaysia and Thailand had largely regained their 2019 volumes by 2024, while Cambodia and Vietnam doubled their 2022 figures within two years.

“In a region where intra-Asean travel has nearly returned to its pre-pandemic scale—reaching 48.5 million in 2024—the Philippines remains a relative laggard,” Panao said in his analysis.

He said the country’s slower recovery suggests structural constraints, including higher travel costs, weaker regional connectivity and delayed reopening compared with Asean peers.

A wider tourism gap

The pattern mirrors the country’s broader tourism performance

International arrivals to the Philippines remain below pre-pandemic levels even as neighboring destinations surge ahead. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed the country recorded 5.24 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, about 37% below 2019 levels, while Vietnam reached 22 million arrivals, surpassing its pre-COVID performance.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco earlier pointed to a “big disparity” between the Philippines and Asean neighbors, noting the country operates with a much smaller tourism promotion budget than competing destinations.

“While we are operating at only over P3 billion, we are competing with countries that have devoted far more, especially in terms of marketing and promotions,” she said last year.

In a press briefing earlier this month, Frasco said a 93% cut in the DOT’s budget left the department “with only 100 million in branding and marketing in 2025.”

When asked about the cuts, she said, “From 2023, it was 1.3 billion, and that became only 200 million in 2024, and 100 million in 2025. Our competitors outspent us anywhere from three to 10 times more.”

Despite those figures, she said, “Philippine tourism still managed to deliver” through several campaigns.

Infrastructure, costs, connectivity

Longstanding structural issues continue to shape the country’s competitiveness.

Curtis Chin, a senior adviser at the Milken Institute and former US ambassador to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank, said travel in the Philippines often feels “more hassle than fun,” citing congested airports, fragile interisland connectivity and uneven transport infrastructure.

Ease of movement remains a decisive factor in Southeast Asia’s tourism race. Travelers comparing destinations often find Vietnam and Thailand offer “a combination of affordability, convenience and well-established tourism infrastructure,” according to tourism attache Erwin Balane.

The two countries, Balane said, have “highly developed tourism industries with efficient transportation systems, a wide range of accommodations, and clearly organized tour services, making travel easy even for first-time visitors.”

Higher travel costs also weigh on demand. Balane said tour prices in the Philippines have risen since the pandemic due to operating expenses and higher service fees, while infrastructure development has not kept pace.

Recent policy moves also reflect growing attention to travel costs. Lawmakers are pushing to abolish the mandatory travel tax, currently P1,620 for economy passengers and P2,700 for first class, to reduce expenses and stimulate travel activity.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan said lowering the cost of international travel could “stimulate passenger volume, increase spending on transport, accommodation, food and services, and generate positive spillovers across the economy,” while helping position the Philippines as a more accessible and competitive destination.

A separate House measure estimates that removing the tax could lower ticket prices and expand travel demand, with projections showing potential economic gains from increased tourism-related spending.

The proposal—now among the administration’s priority legislative measures—underscores how cost competitiveness remains central to strengthening the country’s tourism recovery and regional positioning. 

Domestic tourism carrying the load

Despite weaker international arrivals, domestic tourism has helped sustain the industry.

Citing the World Travel and Tourism Council’s impact report, Frasco said last year that the Philippines leads Southeast Asia in domestic tourism spending, reaching $63.4 billion in 2024 from more than 134 million trips and accounting for 35.8% of Asean’s total domestic tourism expenditure.

“These figures underscore the love of Filipinos for their own country and their vital role in sustaining local destinations,” she said.

Tourism earnings also remained strong. In 2024, the sector generated more than P760 billion in revenue, even as arrival targets were missed.

Still, analysts say domestic travel alone cannot fully offset the economic impact of slower international arrivals.

External pressures

Beyond structural constraints, external forces—from geopolitics to safety perceptions—have also slowed the Philippines’ tourism recovery.

China, whose tourists once made up the country’s second-largest source of visitors, has sharply declined amid geopolitical tensions and reduced connectivity. Tourism officials said China-Philippines routes are operating at only about 45% of pre-pandemic levels, limiting arrivals from what used to be one of the country’s biggest markets.

Frasco earlier acknowledged the impact of geopolitics on visitor numbers, saying: “Nobody could have anticipated that geopolitics would ultimately affect the arrival of tourists from China, especially since electronic visas for the Chinese market were suspended. This is in stark contrast to the policies of our Asean neighbors, where Chinese visitors either don’t need a visa or can obtain one upon arrival.”

She added: “Originally, we projected that up to 2 million Chinese tourists would arrive, but by the end of 2024, only a little over 300,000 actually came.”

South Korea—the Philippines’ largest tourism market for more than a decade—has also shown signs of weakness. Visitor arrivals dropped due to safety concerns, disasters and changing travel preferences.

Balane, Manila’s tourism attache for South Korea, said natural disruptions played a role, explaining that “successive typhoons as well as earthquakes in Cebu and parts of Mindanao disrupted flights, damaged tourism facilities and altered travel itineraries.”

He said media coverage in South Korea reinforced those concerns, adding it “significantly heightened perceptions of risk.”

Security concerns have further influenced travel decisions. Balane told the Inquirer: “Such incidents have eroded traveler confidence and reinforced the belief that the Philippines is less safe than competing destinations in the region.”

Strong economic role, uneven recovery

Despite lagging international arrivals, tourism remains a major pillar of the Philippine economy.

According to the latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report presented during the Asean Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu, tourism contributed $91.8 billion to the Philippine economy, the highest in Southeast Asia.

The sector accounted for 19.9% of the country’s GDP and supported about 11.22 million jobs, or roughly 23% of national employment.

“These figures clearly show that the Philippines ranks among Asean’s leading tourism economies,” Frasco said, noting that tourism remains “a powerful driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience.”

Recent data also show continued strength in tourism revenues, even as the recovery in visitor arrivals remains uneven. The DOT reported that tourism earnings reached P65.3 billion in January 2025 alone, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the same period in 2019 and marking a 151.46% increase from January 2019.

Still, tourism officials reported 1,167,908 foreign arrivals in the first two months of 2025, indicating steady improvement but also highlighting the slower pace of international visitor recovery compared with regional peers—particularly in intra-Asean travel, where the Philippines continues to trail much of Southeast Asia.

The regional challenge

For Panao, the numbers point to a broader regional challenge rather than a short-term fluctuation.

“The Philippine tourism trajectory suggests that recovery has been slower and structurally constrained, possibly reflecting higher travel costs, weaker regional connectivity, or delayed tourism reopening compared with its Asean peers,” he said.

As intra-Asean travel continues to rebound and regional mobility expands, how the Philippines addresses these structural gaps may determine whether it can narrow the distance with its neighbors in the years ahead.

Even before the pandemic the Philippines was lagging behind in intra-ASEAN tourism. So it's not about the pandemic or about people recovering from the financial trouble. It seems the problem is the Philippines itself.

Around the world the cinema has struggled to crawl back to the large pre-pandemic profits. Why go out when every movie comes out on steaming a month or two later? In the Philippines one movie became a hit after theaters experimented with ticket prices. 

https://deadline.com/2026/02/anne-curtis-viva-films-the-loved-one-discounted-tickets-1236730457/

Irene Emma Villamor’s The Loved One, starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, has crossed the symbolic PHP100M benchmark at the Philippines box office, making it the first locally produced hit of 2026 and encouraging the Philippine film industry to experiment further with discounted ticket sales.

The romantic drama, produced by Viva Films and Cornerstone Studios, was released nationwide on February 11 and grossed $1.9M (PHP110M) in just nine days. This figure was achieved even though tickets were being sold at discounted rates in the SM Cinemas and Robinsons Movieworld circuits.  

In SM Cinemas, tickets were being sold at $4.70 (PHP275) in Metro Manila and $4 (PHP230) in provincial branches. Robinsons has been offering 45% discounts in select theatres, with some ticket prices as low as $1.70 (PHP99). 

High ticket prices have been cited as a major factor holding back box office recovery in the Philippines, where annual box office is still only around half of pre-pandemic levels. Ticket prices rose substantially after the pandemic, sometimes to around $9 (PHP550) for premium releases, in a territory where the minimum wage in the country is around $12 (PHP700 pesos) per day.

Viva Films’ content aggregation chief Ronald Arguelles described the film’s success as a “triumph of combined marketing elements”. In addition to the lower ticket pricing, the film’s star power, the subject matter and the theme song Multo by Cup Of Joe, currently one of the Philippines’ hottest bands, are all contributing to the film’s success. 

“Multo is currently the most streamed song in the Philippines on Spotify; Filipinos love to see a bittersweet romantic drama on Valentines weekend; and the Gen Z audience identified this as a film for their generation,” Arguelles explained. 

Viva Films CEO Vincent del Rosario further elaborated: “The narrative is tailored to resonate with a Filipino audience, capturing the essence of a generation seeking a poignant romantic drama with characters that reflect their own experiences. Viva’s significant contribution has been instrumental in shaping the film’s potential for success, and Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis’ involvement is a considerable factor in its anticipated box office performance.”

“The reduced cinema ticket prices also helped make the film more accessible to a wider audience,” del Rosario added. 

Commenting on the film’s subject matter, director Villamor, said: “The audience perceives the narrative and events depicted in the film as remarkably specific and personal, thereby rendering them relatable.”

The story follows a couple’s relationship from the romance of first encounters through to moving in together, then through the impact of real-life problems – jealousy, death of a parent, work-related issues, money, pregnancy and miscarriage – providing a more realistic portrayal of a relationship than the average romantic drama usually delivers. 

The film has also been released internationally in North America, United Arab Emirates and Australia. 

Viva Films is one of the Philippines’ most prolific production outfits, making films for both threatrical and streaming. Last year’s theatrical releases included Mikhail Red’s supernatural horror film Lilim, starring Heaven Paralejo, and Lino Cayetano’s crime drama Salvageland, co-produced with Rein Entertainment, and starring Elijah Canlas and Richard Gomez, which Netflix recently acquired for Southeast Asia.

Of course with the minimum wage being a measly P700 per day poor people have no time to go to the movies even if the price is brought down to P199. 

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival  is returning in 2026.  It first returned last year after a five year hiatus due to the pandemic. 

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/on-the-radar/2026/02/23/2508858/lubao-international-balloon-and-music-festival-2026-painting-sky-alive-summer/amp/

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival makes its highly anticipated return this summer, reaffirming its stance as one of the biggest and most iconic hot air balloon festivals in the Philippines!

Since its debut in 2014, the festival has captivated its thousands of audiences with its unique blend of aviation spectacle, live music and immersive on-ground experience.

After a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival made its successful return in the skies of Lubao last April 2025.

More than 70,000 people flocked to Pampanga to celebrate its much-awaited comeback. From hot air balloon flights to electrifying performances from your favorite local artists, the festival served it all.

This 2026, it’s keeping the streak and bringing you two days of breathtaking hot air balloon flights, thrilling attractions and an exciting lineup of artist performances you can’t resist.

Happening on March 7-8 at Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga, the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival is set to be a landmark celebration and a must-attend destination event.

Kicking off the festivities at sunrise, festival-goers can expect a mass ascension of over 25 colorful hot air balloons flown by both local and international pilots. Experience the skies of Lubao with spectacular balloon flights you can hop on right there and then.

Throughout the day, attendees can also enjoy a wide range of activities. Take in the magnificence of Pampanga’s landscape with helicopter and ultralight rides, bask in gastronomic food bazaars and immerse in nature with the crowd favorite outdoor zoo attraction.

Pradera Islands, the newest theme park destination in Pampanga, located within the sparkling grounds of Pradera Verde also welcomes thrill-seekers and families alike for adrenaline-pumping rides, immersive attractions and island-inspired adventures.

At sunset, the festival transforms into a dynamic concert experience, featuring acts from the biggest names in the Philippine music scene, delivering high-energy performances to cap off each day in unforgettable fashion.

This year’s lineup fulfills every OPM fan’s fantasy with musical acts from jikamarie, Illest Morena, Hev Abi, Flow G, Arthur Nery, December Avenue, Dionela, Maki, IV of Spades, Kamikazee and Parokya ni Edgar.

And for the first time ever, former Rivermaya bandmates Rico Blanco and Bamboo will share the same stage. Bamboo is set to perform on the first day (March 7) while Rico’s set takes place on the second day (March 8).

Festival tickets are priced at P500 for General Admission and P1,500 for VIP. To get the most out of Lubao, you can purchase two day passes for P800 for General Admission and P2,500 for VIP.

Get your tickets at all SM Ticket outlets nationwide and/or via online at

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2026 is organized by BLUE SKIES Hot Air Balloon AdVentures Association Inc. and Forthinker Inc., in partnership with Pradera Verde and Pradera Islands Theme Park, with the support of the Provincial Government of Pampanga.

I searched this blog's archives and found nothing about it returning last year so it must have been overlooked.