CBCP names 2 more national shrines
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has designated two parish churches as national shrines, bringing to 31 the total number of national shrines in the country. These churches are the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, more known as the Maasin City Cathedral in Southern Leyte province, and the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy in Novaliches, Quezon City. It will be the first national shrine in the Eastern Visayas region and the first national shrine in the Novaliches diocese. The decision was made on Saturday, during the first day of the CBCP’s 128th plenary assembly at Chai Conference Center in Cagayan de Oro City, the CBCP news reported.
—DEXTER CABALZA
DOJ opinion: Global fund needs more action
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the government needs to secure national legislation or a treaty to confer privileges and immunities related to the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), a multinational financial mechanism to address climate change events beyond the abilities of nation states. Details of the fund have not been finalized because it was just established last year, but the Philippines has been named to its inaugural board.
In a 10-page legal opinion, however, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the LDF Board was not among the agencies listed under the 1947 Convention that extends privileges and immunities to the United Nations and its agencies, their officials and staff. Remulla said further legislation or a treaty would be needed to address legal questions.
—JANE BAUTISTA
