Entertainment in the upper house of congress is becoming a regular feature as senators bare their calibre in the debates that are more personal to those hogging the spotlight on mainstream media. Most of the subjects that are brought on the senate hall are reactions to various issues that happen in the countryside. We recall for instance the investigations purportedly in aid of legislation. The discussions are without direction and are often halted before any final resolution on any issue is reached. In most instances, the discussions are diverted to senseless talks that delve on personal concerns.
People witness senators on national television and live streaming on social media defending themselves and their colleagues from the investigation being pursued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). While there is a move from the lower house suggesting that the magical president restore the country’s membership with the ICC, there are those who are questioning such move. Self-preservation is the clear motive on the part of the war on drugs chief implementer and now senator Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa who has vowed to serve and protect, not the people but his president who is now private citizen Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
There too is senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, another loyal servant who won a senate seat but has acted more as a private close-in secretary and spokesperson of the former president. He it was who failed to grab the opportunity to disprove former senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV on his allegations that the former is involved in the drug trade. People would recall that former senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV challenged senator Bong Go to show his back during a senate investigation on the war on drugs as it allegedly bear a tattoo of the Hong Kong Triad. That could have proven the allegations of former senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV false or true and cleared the issue once and for all.
Not to be outdone is most popularly voted senator Robinhood Ferdinand C. Padilla, well known as the bad boy of Philippine cinema for portraying anti-hero gangster roles in movies. He has showed his politician side as a neophyte senator by acting as if he knows the constitution and laws more than the lawyers in the senate and lawyers invited as resource persons, including the experts attending senate hearings. He bared his true self when he engaged in debates regarding the role of the Philippine Coast Guard and whether coast guards are civilian or military in nature. He was unconvinced with the explanation of the coast guard officials and expressed disbelief in a manner unexpectedly unbecoming of a senator.
Taxpayers must bear the cost of such highest paid pupils using the august halls of congress as their classroom. Until when shall people bear theatrical antics that are so costly.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com
Signs of his return
Christ’s second coming has fascinated believers for centuries, especially now when biblical prophecies indicating his return are being fulfilled in detail. There are various, significant signs stipulated in the Scriptures that could guide us in figuring out this event.
The foremost indication of Christ’s imminent return lies in the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. Numerous Old and New Testament prophecies foretold the various occurrences leading up to his second coming. Gradual, but steady, fulfillment of these ancient prophecies helps create a narrative that corresponds with current world events. Scholars argue that as more prophecies continue to be fulfilled, it heightens the probability of the second coming drawing nearer.
Throughout history, global conflicts and political instability have prevailed. However, the intensified frequency and magnitude of such conflicts in recent times align with biblical descriptions of the end times. Escalating tensions between nations, the prevalence of terrorism, and ethnic conflicts portray a world in unrest, echoing the prophecies mentioned in the Bible. Hence, the escalating political and social unrest serves as a compelling sign of Christ’s imminent return.
Another sign indicating the approaching return of Christ is the increase in natural disasters and environmental crises. The Bible warns of cataclysmic events like earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in the days leading up to His second coming. Coinciding with climate change and the rise in catastrophic occurrences, these events align with biblical descriptions, further validating the possibility of Christ’s imminent return within our lifetime.
Advancements in technology have transformed our world, resulting in unprecedented global connectivity. The Bible prophesied that during the end times, knowledge would increase and the Gospel would be preached to all nations. The advent of the internet, social media, and satellite technology enables the spread of the Gospel worldwide, potentially fulfilling this prophecy. The explosive growth of these technological advancements signals a significant shift in humanity, paving the way for Christ’s imminent return.
The re-establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 represents a monumental event with profound biblical and prophetic implications. Scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments speak of the restoration of Israel as a crucial sign indicating the nearing return of Christ. The reclamation of the land and the regathering of the Jewish people serve as tangible evidence of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophecy, underscoring the significance of these events concerning Christ’s imminent return.
The signs pointing towards the second coming of Christ encompass various interrelated aspects. Prophetic fulfillment, global conflicts, natural disasters, technological advancements, and the restoration of Israel collectively contribute to the growing pool of evidence supporting this belief. Nevertheless, interpretations of these signs may differ among scholars and believers, leading to varying conclusions regarding the timing of Christ’s return. While recognizing the limitations and complexities associated with this topic, the signs we have discussed provide thought-provoking evidence that compels us to prayerfully consider the imminent return of Christ and its implications for our lives.