Sports, Entertainment, Athletes and Games Network: 06/16/21

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

By Azer Parrocha

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday urged Congress to prioritize the passage of measures that would help revive the country’s economy from the impact of Covid-19.

Duterte made this call during the ceremonial signing of laws which he already signed last month. The event was attended by some members of Congress.

“I hope that when both houses of Congress resume sessions this year, priority will be given to the remaining flagship programs of my administration. And this will include the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Public Service Act,” he said in a speech at Malacañan Palace.

He said he wanted these measures on his desk for signature “at the earliest possible time.”

Duterte also thanked Congress for the passage of four laws signed last month, which he described as a testament to the “fruitful collaboration” between the legislative and executive branches of government.

He was referring to the following laws— Republic Act (RA) 11549, or an Act Lowering the Minimum Height Requirement for Applicants of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor); RA 11544, or an Act Converting the Municipality of Calaca in the Province of Batangas into a Component City to be known as the City of Calaca; RA 11545, or an Act Reappropriating the First Legislative District of the City of Caloocan into 2 Legislative Districts; RA 11546, or an Act Reappropriating the Province of Bulacan into 6 Legislative Districts; RA 11547 or An Act Declaring the City of Davao as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines and the Entire Region XI (Davao Region) as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines; RA 11548 or An Act Granting the President of the Philippines the Power to Defer the Increases in Contributions of the Social Security System for the Duration of the State of Calamity Under Proclamation No. 929, series of 2020, as amended by Proclamation No. 1021, series of 2020, Amending Section 4(a)(9) of Republic Act No. 11199, also known as the "Social Security Act of 2018); RA 11549 or An Act Lowering the Minimum Height Requirement for Applicants of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), amending Republic Act No. 6975, as amended, Republic Act No. 9263 and Republic Act No. 10575; RA 11550 or An Act Dividing the Province of Maguindanao Into Two (2) Provinces, Namely: Maguindanao Del Norte and Maguindanao Del Sur.

“Let me thank the members of Congress for their steadfast efforts in ensuring that my administration’s legislative agenda will be translated into relevant policies and programs that will improve the life of every Filipino,” he said.

Meanwhile, he expressed hope that there would be “greater cooperation” among government agencies.

“As we take more concrete steps to revive our economy and help our people recover from the effects of the pandemic, I hope that more government agencies will foster greater cooperation with each other. Now, more than ever, we need to follow the whole-of-nation approach in ensuring an inclusive and seamless response to the current challenges facing the nation,” Duterte said.

He also assured Filipinos that the government will continue to pursue measures that will improve and enhance their lives.

“With the help of Congress, I am confident that we can pursue our legislative agenda and create an environment conducive for our people’s growth and our nation’s progress. Together, let us remain partners in securing a more promising future for our beloved country and for the next generation,” he said.

Congress will resume its third and final regular session on July 26 when the President delivers his sixth and final State-of-the-Nation Address.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143964

How Do I Love People I Don’t Like?

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Luke 12:13-14

“If I were in charge of the world,” says Lucy to good ol’ Charlie Brown, “I’d change everything!” Charlie, looking a bit puzzled, says, “That wouldn’t be easy. Where would you start?” “I’d start with you!” says Lucy. Changing the world usually means changing other people, whipping them into shape, making them conform to your ideal.

I couldn’t help thinking of Lucy’s advice as I read some of the email messages that have been sent to us. I’m thinking of the parent whose daughter is married to a real loser. The mother wants to change the situation, but she can’t. Then there is the dad whose son seems to be going 180 degrees away from where he thinks he should be headed with his life, and the wife whose husband doesn’t want her to give anything to her church. Then there is the office intern whose boss insisted that he take down the Christian poster taped to the wall of his office. All of these are quite intent on changing the world, starting with someone else.

“Dear God, please change the world, starting with the people I don’t like!” All of the folks who expressed concern over a situation were loving, caring people who were sincere and honest in their desire to help someone, but all had a common theme: They were trying to do what God’s Holy Spirit alone can do. The wife cannot turn her husband into a thoughtful, sober, caring individual. The father’s son has long since slipped out of his grasp, and the young intern can’t change the opinions of his boss.

“Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me” (Luke 12:13). Another way of putting the request might have been, “I’ve given up on getting my brother to see things my way; now, Lord, please apply some pressure so I can get things my way just the same.”

Jesus reproved the individual who wanted him to intercede on behalf of the one who didn’t get his fair share of the inheritance and in doing so Jesus taught a very important lesson. There are times when only God can change the hearts of people, and helping him out with our nagging, coaxing and cajoling may only make God’s work more difficult.

I’m thinking of the dad whose son-in-law really annoyed him with his drinking and occasional drug use. Not only was the father concerned for the young man he was also concerned for his daughter and even more concerned for the little children who were part of that home. But instead of alienating the individual, he prayed for him and quietly awaited the answer.

It finally came, but not as he expected. As the dad took the two small children for a walk, he began thinking, “These kids are going to become just like me, and I don’t want that.” He changed, and he changed plenty. He began a relationship with God and led his family in finding a home church. Almost every day he calls his father-in-law for counsel or advice, and the two, who could have been bitter enemies, are now the best of friends.

If you are struggling with an individual who could be described as “irregular,” or even something stronger, be patient. Pray earnestly, and await God’s answer–in His time and in His way. Perhaps you can help the most by loving the person who annoys you with the expectancy that God will change that person.

You can’t whip them into shape, but you can pray them into the path that the Holy Spirit will use to accomplish God’s purpose.

Resource reading: Luke 6:37-42

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-love-people-i-dont-like/