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Politics

UNPROGRAMMED FUND LOOPHOLES IN 2026 BUDGET CLOSED

Senator Win Gatchalian emphasized that a corruption loophole previously lodged under Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) has been eliminated in the proposed 2026 national budget, as recently approved by the Bicameral Conference Committee. The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance was referring to the Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP), which previously housed […]

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Politics

INTER-AGENCY PROBE ON DPWH BUDGET INSERTIONS URGED

Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson called for a genuine inter-agency investigation into claims linking Cabinet officials to multibillion-peso budget insertions for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure projects, as he warned that prematurely dismissing them risks the perception of a “cover-up”. Lacson said it is too early for Malacanang to brand claims […]

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Politics

PANGILINAN TO DA, BOC: GO AFTER ONION SMUGGLERS

As the country approaches the onion harvest season, Senator Kiko Pangilinan called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to intensify its anti-agricultural smuggling operations, warning that illegal imports could once again undermine local farmers and distort market prices. Pangilinan, the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and […]

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Politics

SENATE, HOUSE SIGN 2026 NAT’L BUDGET BICAM REPORT

House Appropriations Committee Chairperson and Nueva Ecija Representative Mikaela Suansing said that members of both Houses of Congress can scrutinize the reconciled, enrolled 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB)—hours after the Committee Report was signed Sunday afternoon. “Volumes I, I-A, I-B, I-C and Volume II will all be released to the members (of both Houses of […]

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Politics

AUMENTADO TURNS OVER HOUSING PROJECT’S 100TH UNIT

Bohol’s “Balay sa Paglaum” housing initiative has reached a milestone with the turnover of its 100th house to beneficiary Emilia Lofranco, a widow from Barangay Lubang in Buenavista town.Lofranco was the 100th beneficiary of the personal advocacy of Congresswoman Van-van Aumentado under the Balay sa Paglaum program, in partnership with the Bohol Police Provincial Office […]

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Politics

ERWIN TULFO RENEWS CALL FOR REVIEW OF PWD LAWS

Senator Erwin Tulfo has intensified his call for genuine inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by filing a Senate resolution urging a formal inquiry into the implementation of existing PWD laws. Under Senate Resolution No. 186, the appropriate committee is directed to conduct an oversight of the implementation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (the “Accessibility […]

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Politics

LACSON TO PUBLIC: GUARD USE OF 2026 NAT’L BUDGET

May the force be with us. On this note, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson stressed that public vigilance on the 2026 budget must not stop at its approval and signing into law but must continue through its implementation. Lacson said that while religious and civil society groups monitored the bicameral debates on the crafting […]

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Politics

PANGILINAN TO DA: MAKE MINDANAO PH FOOD BASKET

Senator Kiko Pangilinan said the expanded funding for Agricultural Food Hubs in the 2026 Department of Agriculture (DA) budget is a critical step toward unlocking Mindanao’s potential as the country’s primary food basket and stabilizing food prices nationwide. Under the bicameral conference committee report, funding for Agricultural Food Hubs rose from ₱2.125 billion to ₱2.625 […]

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Politics

ERC CHAMPIONS POWER SECTOR REFORMS IN 2025

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) achieved major regulatory milestones in 2025, resolving long-pending rate cases, issuing thousands of regulatory actions, and expanding consumer protections, aiming reliable, affordable electricity for Filipino households. Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the agency is prioritizing transparency and consumer welfare as part of the shift toward the […]

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Politics

BONG GO ASSISTS DISPLACED WORKERS IN BOHOL

Senator Bong Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to extend additional aid to displaced workers in Loboc, Bohol. Through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, beneficiaries received short-term employment assistance after ten days of work. “Ang TUPAD ay isang programa na layong makatulong sa mga kababayan nating […]