FAMILY TIES ON THE LINE?

President Marcos Jr. Says the Law Comes First—Even If It Means His Cousin Faces Charges

Introduction

One of the strongest moments in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) was his declaration that no one is above the law—not even members of his own family.

The statement comes as public attention intensifies over reports that the Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file multiple cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is also the President’s first cousin.

Background

For years, Romualdez was considered one of the most influential political figures in the country and a close ally of President Marcos. Their family relationship has often been viewed as a symbol of political unity within the administration.

Now, that relationship is under the spotlight as legal proceedings are reportedly being prepared against the former Speaker.

What the President Said

President Marcos acknowledged that the situation is personally difficult but emphasized that his responsibility as the country’s leader must come before family loyalty.

“It may be painful, but it has to be done. I am not the President of my family. I am not the President of my friends.”

The President stressed that justice must be enforced fairly and impartially, regardless of a person’s position, political influence, or relationship with him.

Why This Matters

If legal cases are formally filed, the development could become one of the most significant political stories of the year. It will test the administration’s commitment to accountability and the principle that every public official is subject to the rule of law.

At the same time, the legal process remains important. Allegations and planned charges are not findings of guilt. Any cases filed would still have to go through the courts, where those involved have the right to defend themselves.

Public Reaction

The President’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion. Some view the statement as a strong commitment to equal justice, while others believe the public should wait for the legal process to unfold before drawing conclusions.

As developments continue, Filipinos will be watching closely to see how the case progresses and whether the administration’s words are matched by action.

Conclusion

President Marcos Jr.’s message was clear: the rule of law should take precedence over personal relationships. Whether this principle will be tested in court remains to be seen, but the issue is likely to remain at the center of national attention in the coming months.

Source: Statements made during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s Fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) and reports regarding the Office of the Ombudsman’s reported plan to file cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is a 1995 declaration by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It outlines the Church’s doctrinal views on marriage, gender, and family relationships, affirming the family’s divine origin and eternal significance in God’s plan.

Key Facts

• Issued: September 23, 1995
• Introduced by: President Gordon B. Hinckley
• Setting: General Relief Society Meeting, Salt Lake City
• Authors: The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
• Official proclamations to date: Six (1830–2020)

Origin and Context

Years of discussion among senior leaders in response to global shifts in family policy led to the document’s creation. Drafting began in 1994 under a committee that included Elders Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, and James E. Faust. President Hinckley publicly read it in 1995, emphasizing the need to “warn and forewarn” amid changing moral standards. It was later printed in the Ensign and Liahona magazines in 1995–96 and translated into more than 100 languages. 

Doctrinal Themes

The proclamation teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that gender is an eternal characteristic of individual identity. It defines the responsibilities of fathers and mothers as equal partners—fathers to preside and provide, mothers to nurture—and proclaims that family life should be founded on faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and love. It warns that the disintegration of the family will bring social and spiritual calamities and calls on citizens and governments to safeguard the family as the fundamental unit of society. 

Influence and Legacy

Since 1995, the proclamation has been quoted extensively in general conference addresses and shared with civic and religious leaders, including at the United Nations and the Vatican City. It serves as a central reference in Church education, including the Brigham Young University School of Family Life, where it functions as a “charter document.” Members often display framed copies in their homes, viewing it as a concise expression of revealed principles about eternal families. 

Continuing Significance

Three decades later, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” remains a defining statement of Latter-day Saint belief about the sanctity of marriage, the divine role of parents, and the eternal nature of family relationships in the plan of salvation.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World is an official statement issued by

the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

on September 23, 1995, during the General Relief Society Meeting.

It was presented by

Gordon B. Hinckley,

who was the President of the Church at that time.

Purpose of the Proclamation

The document was created to declare the Church’s teachings about:

• Marriage
• Family roles
• Gender identity
• Parenting responsibilities
• Moral standards
• Importance of family in God’s plan

It is considered a doctrinal statement, but not the same as scripture.

Key Teachings (Summary)

1. Marriage

Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.

2. Family is central to God’s plan

The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

3. Gender is eternal

Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity.

4. Parents’ responsibilities

• Fathers preside in love and righteousness
• Mothers nurture children
• Both work together equally

5. Children should be raised with:

• Faith
• Prayer
• Love
• Work
• Respect

6. Warning to the world

The proclamation warns that:

• Breakdown of family will bring problems to society
• Nations will suffer if family values are ignored

Why it is important in LDS belief

• Often quoted in conferences
• Used in lessons, seminary, and church talks
• Considered prophetic guidance for modern times

Touch your husband more than you touch your phone.

​

Let Him Feel Chosen — Why Attention Matters More Than We Think

In today’s world, one of the biggest threats to relationships is not distance, not arguments, and not even lack of love.

It is distraction.

Phones, social media, work stress, and daily responsibilities slowly take the place of real connection. Many couples live in the same house, sleep in the same bed, but feel miles apart emotionally.

The simple message — “Touch your husband more than you touch your phone” — may sound small, but it carries a deep truth about relationships.

The Need to Feel Chosen

Every man wants to feel respected.

Every woman wants to feel loved.

But both need one thing in common:

To feel chosen.

Feeling chosen means:

• You are important to me
• I give you my time
• I give you my attention
• I prioritize you over distractions

When a partner feels ignored, even small things can start to hurt more than they should.

Physical Presence Is Powerful

Human connection is not only about talking.

It is also about touch, closeness, and presence.

Simple actions like:

• Sitting close
• Holding hands
• Hugging
• Looking at each other while talking
• Putting the phone down when your partner speaks

These actions send a strong message:

“You matter more than anything else right now.”

Many relationships don’t fail because of lack of love.

They fail because of lack of attention.

Technology vs Connection

Phones are useful.

Social media is entertaining.

Work is important.

But when the phone gets more touch than your partner, the relationship slowly becomes cold.

You may not notice it at first, but over time:

• Conversations become shorter
• Affection becomes less
• Distance becomes normal

And when distance becomes normal, love starts to feel weak.

Respect and Love Go Together

Strong relationships are built on two pillars:

• Love
• Respect

Men often feel loved through respect.

Women often feel respected through love.

When both partners give effort, the relationship grows stronger.

A healthy marriage or relationship is not about being perfect.

It is about choosing each other every day.

Small Habits That Make Relationships Stronger

Try these simple habits:

• Put your phone away during conversations
• Hug before sleeping
• Sit close when watching TV
• Say thank you for small things
• Show appreciation often
• Give time, not only words

These small habits create emotional security.

And emotional security creates strong love.

Final Thought

Relationships don’t become strong by accident.

They become strong by daily choices.

Choose your partner.

Choose your time together.

Choose connection over distraction.

Sometimes the best advice is the simplest:

Touch your partner more than you touch your phone.

Because in the end, people remember how you made them feel — not how busy you were.

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