MANILA, Philippines — Catholics commemorate Saturday the feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Santo Tomas de Aquino), one of the greatest and most influential Christian philosophers and theologians of all time. Venerated as the patron of all Roman Catholic schools, a thanksgiving mass will be celebrated at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Asia’s oldest existing university, in honor of its patron.

Commemorative rites in honor of the father of the Thomistic school of philosophy and theology will also be held in Mangaldan, Pangasinan; Sto. Tomas, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija; and in Abucay, Bataan. Born in 1225 in Italy, St. Thomas was a Dominican priest. He preached in many places and converted thousands to the faith. He died in 1274 and was canonized by Pope John XXII on July 18, 1323. He was declared a Doctor of the Universal Church. (Christina I. Hermoso)

Early registration

Thousands of Grade 1 and First Year High School students are expected to participate in the Expanded Early Registration Day set by the Department of Education (DepEd) Saturday, January 28, in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide for the School (SY) Year 2012-2013.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the early registration would help the DepEd in addressing shortage in the basic education system. “The information that can be generated from the early registration will be an important input in the planning that we will be conducting immediately after so that we can address potential resource needs in time for the opening of classes in June,” Luistro said. (Ina Hernando-Malipot)

Motorbike lanes

A lane for motorcycles and bicycles will be established on all national roads if Congress approves House Bill No. 1836. Principally authored by Marikina City Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, the measure restricts persons driving motorcycles and bicycles to a specific lane in major thoroughfares as it establish specific traffic rules and regulations governing their use.

 The Segregated Cycle Lanes Act requires the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to place marks on existing main roads and highways to indicate lanes for motorcycles four or more feet from the curb. (Rio Rose Ribaya)

Special elections

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez said Comelec can only hold special elections in Negros Occidental once the House of Representatives declares a vacancy following the death of Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo. “The House needs to declare the seat vacant before the Comelec can do anything,” he said. But he said the declaration must be made before May this year.

According to Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7166, “In case a permanent vacancy shall occur in the Senate or House of Representatives at least one year before the expiration of the term, the Commission shall call and hold a special election to fill the vacancy.” (Leslie Ann Aquino)

Tourists rescued

Twelve persons, including 10 foreign nationals, were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after their passenger motor boat capsized off a beach resort in Boracay Island.

However, the captain of the M/B Captain K, identified as Ramy Paloma, remains missing. The PCG said the M/B Captain was taking the tourists on an island-hopping tour when it capsized.

All rescued foreign national were taken to the Don Ciriaco S. Tirol Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor bruises and later returned to the Ocean Breeze Resort where they were staying. (John Carlo M. Cahinhinan)