Christians

It says here that Italy won't let corruption stop its development aid to Mindanao. Could this assurance stop the corrupt out of shame?

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It was an Italian diplomat who said it. You know diplomats. They can say "Cool" with a stiff upper lip.

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They say Budget Sec. Butch Abad has many relatives in the government. That's for now. What did Erap say? "Weather-weather lang, Pare."

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DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima had rough sailing in the Commission on Appointments. The sea was turbulent. But she didn't sink. No, not yet.

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The International Court in the Hague told China to answer the Philippine complaint on its territorial claims in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. China's reply: "No, we won't."

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That's China's brand new behavior. The Chinese today have become very much unlike the Chinese who used to run that street corner sari-sari store in your community: friendly, respectful.

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"One upon a time, the Chinese wherever they were, were never arrogant," wrote Phil Johnson, a historian-journalist in London. He went on to quote Victor Hugo who said: "Adversity makes men, prosperity makes monsters."

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Rev. Fr. Raffy de Gracia (my good friend Quir's cousin) in his homily in his Mass at the CCTN Ch. 47 chapel last Wednesday mentioned the apparent division of Christians in the world today. Each to his own Christian belief. He batted for the tightening of Ecumenism among Christians.

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I also have observed the disunity among Christians in our time. One Christian group criticizing another Christian group. Sometimes in a manner so unchristian that could perhaps make our Lord Jesus Christ smirk and shake his head in disapproval.

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OVERHEARD. The news says the Bureau of Customs in Cebu has waived close to P300 million in duties and taxes on foreign relief donations for Yolanda victims. Said a mediaman: "Beautiful. Pero naa pa ba ni diha in good condition ang relief goods?" Replied a relative of  Yolanda's victim: "Bitaw. Kun dugay na niabot diha apan nalangay ang release tungod sa daghang sitchi-buritchi, posibli naunahan na sa mga uod (ulod) ang mga biktima."