Friday, June 27, 2025.
The Power of Truth
“The truth will set you free.”
The phrase “The truth will set you free” is most commonly attributed to Jesus Christ, and it originates from the Bible, specifically the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 32:
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32 (NIV)
In context, Jesus was speaking about spiritual freedom through abiding in His teachings and knowing the truth of God. Over time, the phrase has been adopted in broader philosophical, academic, and political contexts as a general affirmation of the liberating power of truth.
It’s also famously inscribed on prominent buildings including some universities as well as the CIA headquarters! It’s used across disciplines, sometimes stripped of its spiritual context, even though its origins remain biblical.
As a discipline, it’s still more than just a quote, it’s a reality that those who live by it come to know intimately. Truth offers a kind of freedom that lies simply can’t provide. It brings a quiet peace, the relief of not having to remember a web of invented stories. When you speak truth, you carry no burden. There’s no backtracking, no fear of being caught, no mental weight of maintaining an illusion.
Dedicating yourself to live by the law of truth, also helps to guide you away from wrongdoings. If you understand that you’ll have to tell the truth about something, you put yourself in check about doing that which you know is inheritantly wrong. Lies are heavy, even small ones. They compound over time and leave you juggling narratives. The longer they persist, the more they distance you from your integrity and from others. But truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, creates space. It clears the air and invites trust.
That trust is the foundation of real connections within families, friendships, partnerships, and communities. When people know you are truthful, they may not always like what you say, but they’ll believe it. And that belief becomes the bedrock of respect. This also and most definitely doesn’t mean that you should force hurtful truths on others. Too many times, to fullfil the desires of one’s own ego, “truths” are brought forward to make others feel uncomfortable; this is when the value of “silence” is important, but that’s a topic for another article.
Truth has the power to bring clarity, when needed. It cuts through noise, falsehoods, and manipulation. In a world that often rewards image over substance, truth is disruptive in the best of ways. It levels the field and demands accountability. It may not always win popularity contests, but it earns credibility which is far more lasting.
In some circles like Freemasonry, truth is held as a guiding principle among its brothers. But the value of truth isn’t limited to any philosophy or institution. It’s a human virtue. One that, when practiced consistently, shapes character and reputation.
Living in truth is not about being brutally honest or morally superior, it’s about being real. About aligning your words, actions, and intentions. It’s the difference between being liked and being trusted. Between appearing strong and actually being strong.
Truth can sting and it can be immensly humbling. It also heals, liberates, and empowers as it continuously invites growth. And perhaps most importantly, it sets the stage for freedom, not just from others’ expectations, but from the exhausting performance of being someone you’re not.
Truth is a discipline and an important daily choice. It’s a quiet kind of power that, once embraced, makes you lighter, clearer, stronger and eventually at peace with yourself.
Brett Mikkelson
Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
Diesel Rises from $2.89 to $3.19! Starting Tomorrow, These Will Be the New Fuel Prices
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat has announced that starting Friday, June 27, 2025, fuel prices (Diesel and Gasoline) will increase once again, following the international trend in the oil market.
Low-sulfur diesel will see the largest price hike, rising from $2.89 to $3.19 per gallon, an increase of 30 cents.
New Fuel Prices in Panama
Per gallon at stations in Panama City and Colón:
- 95-octane gasoline: $3.55
- 91-octane gasoline: $3.55
- Low-sulfur diesel: $3.19
Price adjustment per liter:
- 95 & 91-octane gasoline: +0.037 cents
- Diesel: +0.077 cents
These prices will be in effect from Friday, June 27 through Friday, July 11, 2025, as stated by the National Energy Secretariat.
The agency advised users—especially those who rely heavily on diesel, such as transport operators and agricultural sectors—to plan accordingly.
ASEP Extends Suspension of Phone and Internet Services in Bocas del Toro for Several More Days
ASEP Extends Suspension of Phone and Internet Services in Bocas del Toro
The National Public Services Authority (ASEP) has announced the extension of the temporary suspension of phone and internet services in the province of Bocas del Toro. This measure will remain in effect until Sunday, June 29, as part of the State of Emergency declared in the region.
On Tuesday, June 24, the National Government issued Cabinet Decree No. 28, extending the state of emergency until this coming Sunday.
The suspension of telecommunications services was originally ordered on Friday, June 20, following clashes between protesters and units of the National Police, which left several people injured.
The incidents have had serious economic repercussions in the city of Changuinola, affecting both commerce and tourism. A shortage of food has also been reported in stores selling essential goods.
Expanded Panama Canal Locks Set Transit Record on Ninth Anniversary
For the Panama Canal, the expanded locks marked a new era in global logistics and the strengthening of one of Panama’s most strategic assets.
As of 2025, the Canal has surpassed 25,000 vessel transits through the expanded locks located in Agua Clara and Cocolí, which this Thursday, June 26, celebrate their ninth anniversary since their inauguration in 2016.
Thanks to these locks, the Canal has also seen a notable increase in traffic and tonnage moved during the first eight months of fiscal year 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
From October 2024 to May 2025, the Canal registered a 30% increase in daily average transits and a 22% rise in tonnage, with 326 million CP/SUAB tons moved by May.
This growth, according to the Canal Authority, has been made possible by the recovery of water levels in Gatún and Alajuela Lakes, allowing the Canal to continue offering a safe, efficient, and reliable service to its clients.
The expansion marked not only a new era for global logistics but also represented the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the Canal since its original opening in 1914, delivering tangible benefits both to Panama and the world.
“This expansion has increased the Canal’s capacity, boosted national revenue, and solidified the route as an essential platform for global trade. It has also enhanced Panama’s competitiveness and opened new opportunities for economic growth, investment, and job creation,” the Canal highlighted.
The Canal also acknowledged that this anniversary comes amid climate-related challenges, such as the prolonged dry season of 2023, which temporarily reduced the number of daily transits. While the current rainy season has brought some relief, the water crisis persists.
To address this, the Canal continues to implement its long-term water strategy, aimed at securing water resources for both operations and human consumption. Projects such as the Río Indio reservoir aim to strengthen Panama’s water infrastructure while generating social benefits for nearby communities.
At the same time, the Canal reaffirmed its strategic vision of evolving into a world-class logistics hub, equipped to face the challenges of the maritime, energy, environmental, and technological landscape.
“Nine years after the expansion, this project continues to yield concrete results for Panama and reaffirms its contribution to international trade,” the Canal concluded in a statement.
Panama Approves Law 474, Toughens Penalties for Sexual Offenses
The Executive Branch has sanctioned Law 474, which modifies and adds articles to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, significantly increasing penalties for sexual offenses in Panama.
With this new legislation, penalties for crimes such as carnal access through violence or intimidation will rise from a previous range of 5 to 12 years in prison to a new framework of 7 to 25 years.
New law imposes harsher penalties for abuse of minors
The law also establishes specific penalties for cases where violence is not involved but the victim is under 14 years old. In these cases, the sentence will be 12 to 18 years in prison, reinforcing legal protection for children and adolescents.
Reform of the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code
Law 474 represents an important step in the reform of Panama’s penal system, aimed at more firmly combating sexual offenses and guaranteeing justice for victims.
This amendment comes into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette and is part of legislative efforts to strengthen the judicial response to highly sensitive social crimes.
MEDUCA Enables Over 10,000 Teachers to Apply for Available Vacancies
The Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, reported this Thursday that more than 10,000 teachers have already been activated on the Ministry of Education’s (MEDUCA) eligible list to apply for vacancies generated due to the educators’ strike in various regions of the country.
This list includes teachers who meet the requirements established by the ministry to be considered for temporary hiring or to replace absent educators.
“We have more than 10,000 teachers activated and available to fill the positions of those who have been absent due to the strike,” said Molinar.
MEDUCA aims to ensure continuity of the school year
In light of the disruption to classes caused by the protests, MEDUCA remains committed to guaranteeing the continuity of the school year, especially in areas where the teacher strike has been prolonged.
The minister reiterated that students should not be the most affected by the situation and that the ministry is taking necessary measures to keep classes running.
