The “Patrimony of All – Ang Panublion sang Tanan Paintings from the Lopez Museum and Library Collection” was officially unveiled late Monday afternoon, Nov. 25, attended by the Lopez family and art enthusiasts.

The paintings included four each from the Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo collections, five from the Fernando Amorsolo collection, and three from the Juan Arellano collection.

“Bringing these masterpieces to Iloilo was an opportunity to honor our roots that we cannot let pass. It is in Iloilo that our family’s journey of hard work, philanthropy, and service to others began. It just made perfect sense to keep coming back and giving back in uplifting the very community that had also shaped our personal history,” Mercedes Lopez-Vargas, president of the Lopez Group Foundation and LML executive director, said in her message.

She said the Lopez family was thrilled as it was the first time they brought the collections outside Manila.

“The loaning of these artworks is a painstaking technical process as it entails the delicate care of these fragile works of art; some of them a hundred years old,” she added.

The project is a joint initiative of the University of the Philippines Visayas, the Lopez Group Foundation, Inc., and the Iloilo City Government, conceived by former senator Franklin Drilon with former tourism secretary Narzalina Lim in 2019 and made possible through the support of Senator Loren Legarda.

“The Patrimony of All” will allow audiences in the Visayas to encounter the works of Filipino masters while also shining the spotlight on the rich architectural heritage and legacy of Iloilo,” the Iloilo City government said in a statement.

Drilon, in his message, said llonggos owed the Lopezes “a debt of gratitude.”

“When you talk about Iloilo culture and heritage, it would not be complete without talking about the Lopezes and their generosity to the province and city of Iloilo. This sets a stage for a more extensive effort for us to continue exposing our people here, our Ilonggos and young students to art and our culture,” he said.

The exhibit is housed in a building designed by Arellano, whose paintings are among the works being exhibited.

It was designed as a city hall in the 1930s when the mayor was Fernando Lopez, who in turn donated the building to the University of the Philippines with the condition that it would establish a branch in Iloilo, the former senator said.

“Today, we are glad that we were able to find this venue to house these treasures to be enjoyed by our Ilonggos,” Drilon said.

The exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 26, 2024 to April 25, 2025 but it will have a Cycle 2 after funds are secured for its extension for another six months through Senator Legarda.

“Ang Panublion sang Tanan celebrates not only the creative genius of our Filipino masters but also the enduring legacy of our culture. Having these masterpieces in Iloilo on display for our communities and especially for our youth is a true gift that will enrich our collective understanding of who we are. As I say, culture is what binds us as a nation,” Legarda said in her virtual message.

Rosalie Treñas, wife of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, said the city has always been home to artists, art lovers, patrons, and enthusiasts, providing everyone with a welcoming environment where talents and skills can thrive and artistic expressions are admired and respected.

“The presence of galleries, museums, and art places, the city has certainly firmed up its position as the arts capital of the Philippines. Its piece of art is a window into the cultural heritage of the community, offering insights into their real life, beliefs, and values,” she said in her message.Perla Lena/PNA

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The city, regarded as the economic center of the region, posted  a growth rate of 10.5% in 2023, with its gross domestic product (GDP) valued at P160.28 billion.

“This growth positioned the city of Iloilo as the fastest growing economy in Western Visayas and the second fastest growing economy among all highly urbanized cities in the Philippines in 2023,” PSA said on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The city’s growth, according to the agency, driven by services, which contributed 87.7% to the total gross domestic product (GDP).

Industry came in second with a 9.9% share to GDP, followed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) with a 2.4% share.

PSA also reported that accommodation and food services activities, other services, and transportation and storage were among the fastest growing industries with 48.3%, 28 percent, and 18.9% growth rates, respectively.

In a statement, Mayor Jerry Treñas said: “This is a testament to the hard work of our business community, the efficiency of our local government, and the steadfast support of every Ilonggo.”

Meanwhile, Bacolod City posted the second highest growth rate at 10.0%, followed by Aklan (9.5%), Guimaras (7.9%), Negros Occidental (6.9%), Capiz (6.8%), Iloilo province (4.6%) and Antique (2.5%).IMT

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In a press conference, Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. said a total of P4,828,696 will be spent, among others, for Christmas LED lights and decorations.

The amount is higher compared to last year’s budget of P3.5 million.

The switch-on ceremony is set on Dec. 6, to be led by Defensor. The event will kick with a lantern parade of provincial government employees.

Spectators will also be treated to a fireworks display sponsored by Iloilo Supermart and to a delightful gastronomic experience at the month-long food festival.

Defensor considers the annual Christmas event as an economic boost for Iloilo as it brings in many visitors and generates significant revenue for local businesses.IMT

Photo by Bombo Radyo-Iloilo

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“We are tapping our law enforcement agents to investigate the whereabouts and the identity of this person or persons who may be plotting against the President,” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said in a Palace briefing on Monday, Nov. 25.

Andres said the government is using all its resources to identify the assassins.

“In the light of recent events, very alarming events, the government is taking action to protect our duly elected President. The premeditated plot to assassinate the President as declared by the self-confessed mastermind will now face legal consequences,” according to him.

He emphasized the seriousness of the threat, noting that as one of the country’s top officials, Duterte is the “beneficary of the death of the President.”

Andres also referred to Duterte’s earlier remark about wanting to cut off the President’s head.

“That is a very serious action taken by the VP and we have to go through the process and seek accountability for this,” the justice official said.IMT

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“That is our work to secure them. We will add more security,” PRO-6 director Brigadier General Jack Wanky said in a press conference.

Last week, Vice President Sara Duterte revealed that she has contracted an assassin to kill the First Lady, President Bongbong Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself is killed.

“For a Vice President to be saying that, we should treat it as serious,” said Wanky.

PRO-6, according to the region’s top cop, will closely coordinate with the Presidential Security Command (PSC) to ensure the safety and security of the First Lady.

“Whatever their requirement, we are just here to support,” said Wanky.IMT

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Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. made the announcement during a concluding ceremony held Monday, Nov. 25, at the BuCor Administrative Building in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Compound.

Between October 22 and November 25, the BuCor has released 500 PDLs, including 104 who participated in the concluding event.

The releases included 347 who served their maximum sentences, 110 who were acquitted, 21 granted probation, 20 paroled, 1 released on bail, and one through habeas corpus.

Catapang also emphasized the bureau’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with the business sector to help former inmates reintegrate into society through job opportunities.IMT

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In yesterday’s (Nov. 25) press conference, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres described Duterte as the “mastermind” behind the assassination scheme.

Andres said the premeditated plot, “as declared by the self-confessed mastermind” Duterte, would have legal consequences.

“Based on our initial study, sedition is a possibility. We are not closing our eyes on other obviously criminal offenses, even graver than sedition. But grave threats and sedition are obviously being considered,” according to him.

Andres said they are eyeing conspiracy and have already enlisted various government agencies to investigate the whereabouts and identity the hired assassin.

He, however, clarified the DOJ is “not making that determination now” and asserted “due process warrants that every angle should be investigated” and “every party should be given an opportunity to be heard, and in due time in observance of due process.”IMT

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Cayetano made the proposal during Senate plenary deliberations on the DICT’s proposed 2025 budget, stressing the urgency of setting up sucha. center.

“Go to Singapore and Hong Kong because they have anti-scam centers na in one office, nandoon na y’ung pulis, y’ung mga IT personnel, at y’ung mga bangko,” he said in a manifestation.

The senator said the Philippines needs a similar proactive system to address the evolving nature of scams, many of which have been discussed in previous Senate hearings.

“Parang sanay pa rin tayo sa pa-isa-isang scam. Pero lahat ng scam na nabanggit dito at sa ibang Senate hearings, nandoon na [sa kanila],” he also said.

Cayetano emphasized that an efficient anti-scam system could significantly reduce scam incidents and help recover financial losses.

“In the last two years, ang na-recover ng mga Singaporean government for those na na-scam is more than 600 million Singaporean dollars,” according to him.

Singapore’s Anti-Scam Command, launched in. March 2022, centralizes efforts in scam investigation, incident response, enforcement, and analysis under one entity.IMT

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Pro bono services may include court representation, legal counseling, document drafting, and participation in outreach programs.

Lawyers can opt to contribute financially to the ULAS Fund in lieu of performing the required hours, but financial contributions can only cover up to 50% of the 60-hour minimum, with rates set by the ULAS Board.

Law firms can aggregate their lawyers’ pro bono hours, but only 75% of each lawyer’s hours may be counted. The remaining 25%, or 15 hours, must be completed individually.

To incentive complaince, lawyers who meet the 60-hour requirement will earn 15 credit units toward Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and may be eligible for tax breaks and other benefits.

Penalties for failing to meet the required hours include fines and listing as delinquent by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Lawyers will have a 60-day grace period to comply or explain non-compliance before penalties are imposed.

Exemptions apply to certain lawyers, including judges, government prosecutors, PAO lawyers, those over 60 years old, or with 35+ years of practice, and lawyers with specific disabilities. Other government lawyers are covered unless their agency denies permission.IMT

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“‘Yang ganyang kriminal na pagtatangka ay hindi dapat pinapalampas. Yan ay aking papalagan,” Marcos Jr. said in a video message on Monday, Nov. 25.

His statement came days after Duterte revealed that she had spoken to an assassin, instructing him to kill Marcos Jr., his wife and Romualdez in the event of her own death.

In his message, the President said the situation wouldn’t have escalated to this kind of drama if legitimate questions in the Senate and House of Representatives had been properly answered.

“Ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat i-tokhang. Tapos na sana ang usapang ito kung tutuparin lamang ang sinumpaang  panata na bilang lingkod bayan ay magsabi ng totoo, at hindi hahadlangan,” said Marcos Jr.

“Imbes na derechahang sagot, nililihis pa sa kwentong chicheria,” he added.

It can be recalled that Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, refused to explain during the budget deliberations on her office’s proposed 2025 budget how she had used her previous confidential funds.IMT

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