Good and truth will prevail

First, the good news!

"A historic victory for women," Senator Risa Hontiveros, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, pointed out after the House approved House Bill 4113 extending paid maternity leave to 100 days.

"After 26 years, we are finally able to upgrade this outdated policy. After 26 years, women have won this right in the workplace,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

 Giving women longer paid maternity leave will be good not only for the health of the mother, but of the newborn and their family as well. More gender-sensitive incentives like this paid maternity leave will also entice more women to actively enter the labor force. Studies have confirmed higher economic benefits for the society with higher female labor participation.

   Another good news is the inspiring story of our gold medalist from Cebu. Their low family economic status did not deter her from pursuing her passion: Skateboarding. Her determination and love for the sports led her to be a gold medalist — assuring her and her family the million rewards promised to winners! Now, even more, she can skateboard to her heart's content!

 Bad news, however, seem to be easily available and widespread than good news.

  Recently, DU30 had issued yet another disrespectful remark about beautiful women being raped, enabling his followers to think it is the fault of beautiful women if they are raped. Again, without the benefit of solid data that show rapists are not particular about the beauty or other qualities of their victims, DU30 deals another derogatory statement against women.

    Again, before he left with a large entourage of military and police, a very expensive trip charged to precious public funds, he signed an order revoking the amnesty granted to Trlllanes and other mutineers during the Aquino administration. The military and the police were also ordered to arrest Trillanes immediately.

Under Senate custody, Trillanes vows to fight what he thinks is DU30's political persecution of those who criticize him. Soon, the public will know who truly holds the truth about the amnesty charge vs Trillanes.

 Already, documents, videos and testimonies supporting the proper and complete requirements and procedures for the amnesty of Trillanes, et al, have surfaced. Legal experts have also questioned again the constitutionality of this amnesty revocation, like the Calida-Quo Warranto case.

VP Leni Robredo is also questioning the timing of the revocation, suggesting that this is being used by DU30 and his team to hide the real problems of intensifying difficulties affecting our people-rice and fish supply shortage, high prices, EJKs, violence, and disrespect of the laws of this land.

Amid all these bad news and challenges, we can choose to believe that good and truth will prevail, eventually. We just need to stay in full faith. God is in control, we just have to believe.