Blank budget Entries Raise Questions Amidst Calls for Accountability
Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao 3rd District Congressman Isidro Ungab have raised alarms over missing budget details in the recently signed Bicameral Committee Report on the 2025 Budget. This report forms the basis for the 2025 General Appropriations Act, which was approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte pointed out the disconcerting absence of specific budget figures within the signed report, a concern first highlighted by Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, during a December 2024 privilege speech in the Senate. Congressman Ungab, a former House Committee on Appropriations chair, further elaborated on these concerns during a recent interview alongside Duterte in Davao. Duterte expressed his grave disapproval,stating,”Leaving blanks in the BICAM report and signing it is ’falsification of law and a criminal act.’ You can all go to jail for that.”
This isn’t the first time Duterte and his allies have criticized the current governance for failing to adequately represent the Filipino people.
This dynamic creates a new breed of opposition force, one that expertly navigates political maneuvering and legal intricacies, while drawing strength from a rich history of safeguarding Filipino interests against those who seek to exploit them.
Meanwhile, in the Lanao Region, encompassing Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, researchers led by Dr. Lee embarked on a mission with a specific goal: to uncover the burial site of Sultan Kudarat. This region, onc a part of the expansive Kingdom of Maguindanao, stretches across present-day Maguindanao Provinces, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga peninsula, davao, and Lanao.
Sultan Kudarat, known also as Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat, reigned over the Kingdom of Maguindanao from 1619 to 1671. He was a descendant of Shariff Kabungsuan, a propagator of Islam in Mindanao, and is widely regarded as one of Mindanao’s most revered heroes.
Unearthing History: 6,000-Year-old Settlements Discovered in Lanao del Sur
A groundbreaking archaeological survey in Lanao del Sur, Philippines, has unearthed artifacts dating back to the Neolithic Period, revealing a history stretching back 6,000 years. Led by dr. Lee Neri from the University of the Philippines, this inaugural exploration of Lanao del Sur has unveiled a treasure trove of historical and cultural richness.
Dr. Neri’s team discovered six fortified structures known as “kotas” strategically positioned along Lake Lanao’s shores and rivers. These fortifications, according to Dr. Neri, “may signify the warring response of the Meranaws to the continuing threat posed not only by the Spaniards, but by the American colonial forces as well in our past.”
two of these kotas, believed to belong to Ramitan and Ilian, hold particular significance. These sites witnessed the initial clashes between sultan Kudarat, renowned for his resistance against Spanish colonization, and the invading Spanish forces.Oral histories passed down through generations, coupled with geographical clues from historical accounts, guided the team’s search for these elusive locations.
Sultan Kudarat, a legendary figure, lived to the age of 90, dedicating his life to defending Mindanao from colonial encroachment. He engaged in numerous battles against the Spanish,emerging victorious in some,losing others,but never surrendering. His unwavering resistance earned him the title “a champion against colonialism.”
Dr. Neri’s team is also investigating claims of ancient trade routes connecting the Meranaws with China. Initial findings include ceramic materials dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), hinting at a vibrant exchange of goods and cultural influences.
The search for Sultan Kudarat’s burial site remains a priority for Dr.Neri and his team. while historical accounts place his final resting place in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan, concrete evidence remains elusive. Dr. neri emphasizes the importance of obtaining DNA samples from any potential remains to confirm their identity and resolve conflicting claims.
Beyond historical significance, locating Sultan Kudarat’s tomb holds practical importance.Some alleged burial sites are exposed to environmental factors, threatening their preservation.Finding his resting place ensures the protection and preservation of this vital piece of Philippine history.
The archaeological discoveries in Lanao del Sur offer a glimpse into a fascinating past, revealing the resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness of the Meranaws. Through continued research and exploration, we can deepen our understanding of this region’s vital role in Philippine history.
The Intriguing Tale of Beeswax: A Journey Across Oceans
The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, spanning centuries, was a vibrant artery pulsating with cultural exchange and economic activity. This intricate network ferried not only precious spices and porcelain from the East but also a surprising commodity – beeswax. Though seemingly mundane, beeswax held a notable place in this bustling trade, weaving itself into the fabric of global history.
This golden substance, extracted from the industrious honeycombs of bees, was highly valued for its use in candle-making. Imagine, centuries ago, the soft glow of beeswax candles illuminating homes and ships as the galleons braved the vast expanse of the Pacific. It was a crucial element,providing light during long voyages and adding a touch of luxury to everyday life.
The connection between Sultan Kudarat,a powerful ruler of the Maguindanao sultanate,and the Dutch East India Company serves as a compelling example of the trade’s influence. In a fascinating strategic alliance,Sultan Kudarat aided the Dutch in their fight against Spanish expansion by supplying them with slaves and,intriguingly,beeswax. This exchange solidified a bond between these distant powers, highlighting the interconnectedness of the world even during that era.
A dramatic reminder of the trade’s enduring legacy can be found in the wreckage of the Santo Cristo de Burgos, a galleon that sank off the coast of Oregon in 1692. Nicknamed the “Beeswax Wreck,” its cargo,destined for Mexico from the Philippines,was remarkably preserved.As the Seattle Times reported in 2008, the beeswax found ”wings of bees native to the Philippines trapped inside the wax.” This remarkable discovery offers a tangible connection to the past, providing a glimpse into the lives of the individuals who sailed, traded, and lived on the bustling Manila-Acapulco routes.
