LIPA (UCAN): A Vatican decision overruling the local bishop on the validity of reported miracles and Marian apparitions at the Carmelite Monastery in Lipa, The Philippines, around 60 years ago has left some people confused.

“People are unhappy, unsatisfied and not at peace with themselves,” retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz said, adding that some followers of Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Graces have been asking for some sort of a review.

MANILA (SE): The president of The Philippines has kicked his vice president, Leni Robredo, out of the cabinet over her opposition to his signature policy of murdering the poor and pet passion of currying favour with the Marcos family.

Robredo staved off Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be elected vice president, but it is becoming more obvious that Duterte wants to be rid of her and cozy up to the son of the late dictator, whom he has already introduced to China as his vice.

MANILA (SE): Archbishop Martin Jumoad called on the Philippine government to act immediately to put an end to the recruitment of children by dissident groups as soldiers.

Speaking after being installed as archbishop of Ozamiz, CBCP News reported him as saying, “Our government must double its efforts to win the sympathy of our young people on the side of goodness.”

MANILA (UCAN): The late Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, from Infanta, was the inspiration behind the Magnificent Seven who gathered to sign an open letter challenging the martial law president, Ferdinand Marcos, over his human rights abuses in 1973.

MANILA (SE): What is being touted as the oldest Catholic magazine in Asia is celebrating its golden anniversary in Manila.

“Through thick and thin, IMPACT Magazine has been zealous in pursuing the development of perspectives on social issues not only within the confines of the Catholic Church, but also in other Asian religions,” Monsignor Pedro Quitorio, the magazine’s current editor-in chief, wrote in a special anniversary issue.

MANILA (SE): In a lengthy response to the socio-political landscape of The Philippines released on November 22, the bishops of the country admit that they have been gagged by the very people of the Church that they are there to guide and lead.

On November 16, a member of the senate, Risa Hontiveros, found herself gagged on the floor of the chamber when she attempted to read from a newspaper article written by Sunday Examiner columnist, Father Shay Cullen.

HONG KONG (SE): “It is now Duterte’s administration. There’s no need for papers,” a police officer in Talisay City, Cebu, was overheard saying on September 11 when asked to show a warrant after bursting into a private home and beginning a room search.

The house belongs to Isabella Abangan, the mother of human rights advocate, Orlando Abangan, who was shot in several parts of the body by an unidentified gunman and died on the road on September 17.

HONG KONG (SE): The on-again off-again president of The Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was given big cookie points on November 8 when he scotched the idea of powering up the mothballed nuclear power plant in Bataan and assured the nation that during his term of office nuclear power plants would not operate.

The local bishop in the area, Bishop Rupert Santos, said that he welcomed the decision, describing it as an expression of Duterte’s concern and care for the people and the environment.