Blessed Mother

MANILA, Philippines - Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco will lead a high mass at noon Saturday at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on Kanlaon Street in Quezon City in solemn celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, marking the 154th year of the series of apparitions of the Blessed Mother to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 at the Cave of Massabielle in Lourdes, France. With the theme "Mary, Full of Grace," hourly masses will be held from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The grand procession will be held at 6 p.m. Novena masses were held from Feb. 2 to 10, while the traditional Blessing of the Sick was held last Feb. 4. Saturday's feast of Our Lady of Lourdes coincides with the observance of World Day of the Sick. (Christina Hermoso)

Tax Drive

Believe it or not but a large number of Metro Manila businessmen recently pledged to pay correct taxes by swearing an oath before officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The traders took their oath during the launching of the BIR's 2012 tax awareness drive held separately in Quezon City and Makati. Former Finance Secretary and now Philippine Stocks Exchange Chairman Jose Pardo administered the oath at the Makati Sports Club to business operators based in Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa. A similar pledge was also made by business establishment owners based in Quezon City and other eastern and southern parts of the metropolis. (Jun Ramirez)

Affirmed

The Supreme Court has affirmed the validity of the termination pay plan adopted by the board of administrators of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in implementing the reorganization of the agency in 2003. In a decision written by Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr., the SC ruled that the NEA board has the power to adopt a reorganization plan in line with the implementing rules and regulations of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA). It said the 2003 termination pay plan was in line with the EPIRA law and in the absence of a clear and convincing proof that the NEA board acted in bad faith the plan is valid and enforceable. (Rey G. Panaligan)

Inspection

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri has ordered an inspection of all buildings in the city to ensure these can withstand earthquake of bigger magnitude. Echiverri directed City Engineer Rolando Eduria to check the structural integrity of the edifices, so the authorities can forewarn its tenants of impending danger. He said the inspection would also enable the city government to determine whether owners of these buildings comply with the building code as prescribed by the local government. An earthquake drill will also be led by the Rescue Team of the Reformed Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management which will educate students and teachers the proper response to earthquakes or any disaster. (Ed Mahilum)

Healthy Lifestyle

Aimed at encouraging the youth to quit smoking, the city government of Marikina will stage Saturday an appeal concert to promote healthy lifestyle. Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman invites the public to watch "One Voice against Tobacco Smoke (Tsugi Ka sa Yosi)," a free concert to be held at the Plaza Delos Alcaldes in front of the Marikina City Hall, at 6 p.m. Performers include the band Sandwich, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Third Star Dreamer Miguel Mendoza, and local bands from public and private schools in Marikina. "This is one of the unique ways the city government came up to stop tobacco smoking and promote healthier lifestyle in Marikina," De Guzman said. (Madelynne Dominguez)