MANILA, Philippines - On the eve of their highly touted interfaith rally on Friday, religious, political and militant groups made last-minute reminders as they finalized preparations for the event.

In separate statements released Thursday night, the groups made clear their call for truth and accountability from the Arroyo administration, especially in the wake of the $329.48-million ZTE broadband network deal mess.

How propitious that the ZTE national broadband network (NBN) controversy is happening during this time of Lent. Certainly there is a link between the two, for Lent is the season for repentance and for going back to the light of truth, which are the same calls we hear these days as regards the anomalous ZTE-NBN deal. Here, therefore, are some points for reflection centered on the central question of Lent: Why did Christ die on the cross?

MANILA, Philippines -- “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” This line from Sir Walter Scott’s “Marmion” is uttered by the fictional English Lord Marmion after his deceitful schemes unravel. One reviewer has called Marmion “a thoroughly rotten man: a seducer, forger, liar, greedy for lands and not squeamish about how he acquires them.” (Does this remind you of some of our high government officials?)

MANILA, Philippines - Sometime in January 1949, Senate President Jose Avelino asked rhetorically, “What are we in power for?” Avelino was speaking at a party caucus in Malacañang and expressing his resentment over the investigation of some officials’ moneymaking activities. Unaware that two journalists were on the sidelines, he was lecturing President Elpidio Quirino on the realities of Philippine politics.

Pangasinan (27 February) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has committed the initial release of P100 million to Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. to jumpstart the development and construction of an international seaport in Sual town.

Lingayen, Pangasinan (27 February) -- THE 2008 Ilocos Region Athletic Association meet opened last Sunday at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) with some 6,000 participating athletes from various public schools both elementary and secondary levels in the entire region vying for the gold medals.