Feast day

source: mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines -- Catholics celebrate Monday the feast of the Queenship of Mary, a corollary of the Marian Dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was observed last Aug. 15. Eucharistic celebrations, novenas, processions, and special prayers will be held in several Catholic churches and Marian shrines across the country Monday.


Marian devotees will lead the recitation of the holy rosary, including the Litany of the Blessed Mother, which proclaims her queenship in 12 instances.

At the Mary the Queen Parish in Greenhills, San Juan City, Rev. Fr. Jojo Magadia will celebrate a high mass at 6 p.m “Mother Mary is our Queen whose crown is not of jewels, but a crown of virtues.

As our Queen, she is our mediator to her Son, and our model of selfless and exemplary life here on earth,” said Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos. (Christina Hermoso)

More rains

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Sunday that two weather systems adversely affecting the country are expected to dump rains in most parts of the country, particularly in Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao.

A new low- pres-sure area (LPA) was located 570 kilometers east of Visayas at 8 a.m. Sunday.

PAGASA said the LPA is embedded in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and may still intensify into a tropical depression.

Due to the prevalence of LPA and ITCZ, Central and Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao will experience scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

It also warned of possible flash floods and landslides due to widespread rains expected over the Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao. (Ellalyn De Vera)

Recovered

MANILA, Philippines -- Almost eight of every 10 stolen motor vehicles across the country have been recovered by the anti-carnapping unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the past seven months of this year, a ranking police official revealed Sunday.

Such feat impressed no less than President Aquino himself as he has been repeatedly mentioning the accomplishments of the PNP in its anti-carnapping operations in speeches, the latest was during the Police Service anniversary.

“This is the first time that the PNP has achieved a high percentage in terms of recovering stolen motor vehicles,” said Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, director of the Highway Patrol Group. (Aaron Recuenco)

F.O.I. backed

MANILA, Philippines -- Why not prioritize the passage of the bill arming the people against corruption? The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippine (CBCP) made the statement Sunday questioning the resolve of President Aquino in pursuing government reforms after it shelved the Freedom of Information (FOI) from its legislative agenda.

National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (Nassa) Chairman Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that they were disappointed after Aquino neglected to include the FOI in last week’s Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). (Sam Medenilla)

Enrolees up

MANILA, Philippines -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday more than 26,000 foreigners are presently studying in various schools throughout the country, or roughly 7,000 higher compared to last year's total.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said about 17,000 college enrollees account for the bulk of the foreign students while the rest are in the elementary and high school, or taking short-term language courses.

He said that in 2010, some 9,000 foreigners were registered in various schools. (Jun Ramirez)
source: mb.com.ph