MAS Channel: Media, Affairs & Stories

29/07/2025

EMPC Delivers Aid to Flood
Victims in San Simon Town

San Simon, Pampanga — In response to the devastating floods caused by Severe Tropical Storms Crising, Dante, Typhoon Emong, and the southwest monsoon, Eco Protect Management Corporation has launched a relief operation to assist families affected by the calamities.

Led by President and CEO Alainne Tan, EMPC spearheaded a mission to deliver much-needed aid to the residents of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, San Simon, Pampanga, on Tuesday, July 29. Despite ongoing floodwaters that submerged many homes, Eco Protect’s team braved challenging conditions, riding boats to reach the affected households.

A total of 530 families received relief goods, including food packs and essential supplies, in coordination with local barangay officials.

“This is our little way to support the families facing tough times and displacements due to the effects of the typhoon and habagat,” said Tan.

“With our simple help, we hope to give hope to affected families and let them know they are not alone. Eco Protect Management Corporation remains committed to assisting communities in times of emergency and continues to monitor the situation for further relief efforts", she added. (PR)

BAP NEWS MARK SISON BapNews Mark Sison CLMA Pampanga Chapter MAS Channel: Media, Affairs & Stories

29/07/2025

Endless Legal Maneuvering

FEBRUARY 26, 2026 was poised to reignite one of the nation’s most polarizing political battles: the looming impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
With Congress resuming session and opposition lawmakers preparing to revive the complaint over her controversial use of confidential funds, the stage seemed set for a historic showdown. But a Supreme Court ruling grounded in the Constitution’s one-year ban on repeat filings stopped it cold, turning what could have been a day of reckoning into yet another lesson in political timing, legal maneuvering, and the enduring clash between dynasties.
But in a stunning move, the Supreme Court blocked the attempt, citing the one-year constitutional ban on multiple impeachment filings. Since the original complaint was filed on February 25, 2025, the Court ruled that any similar complaint even if more complete or updated cannot be entertained until after a full year has passed. With that, any move for renewed impeachment must wait until February 26, 2026 at the earliest.
The decision, grounded in Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution, drew strong reactions from both political and legal circles. While proponents of due process welcomed the Court’s firm stance on preventing abuse of the impeachment process, critics viewed the ruling as a convenient escape hatch for Duterte. The 2025 complaint stemmed from her disbursement of P125 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in just 11 days an act questioned by lawmakers, auditors, and civil society groups. Though Duterte defended the move as legal and necessary, the political fallout reverberated throughout the Marcos-Duterte alliance.
Adding intrigue to the legal drama is the role of Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was the first to sign the original impeachment complaint in 2025. However, during a sideline interview at the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) this July, the young congressman announced he would inhibit from any future impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte. He emphasized that Malacañang has already declared it will not meddle in the process and explained, “I don’t want to drag my father into this.” His statement signaled an attempt to create distance between the Palace and the increasingly tense dynamics between Duterte allies and the administration bloc.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino have vowed to file a Motion for Reconsideration (MR), arguing that the one-year ban should not apply to a complaint that was dismissed on procedural grounds and never reached the Senate. They further assert that the Court’s ruling may infringe upon the constitutional principle of separation of powers, particularly the Senate’s exclusive authority to try impeachment cases. Their planned MR, expected in the coming weeks, may reopen the legal debate on how far judicial intervention can go in what is primarily a political process.
For now, the 2/26/2026 date has gone from being a trigger for impeachment to a symbolic reminder of a country caught between legal process and political compromise. With the Vice President shielded at least temporarily and the President’s son stepping back, the path forward becomes even murkier. Whether the complaint will resurface a day after the ban lifts, or fade quietly into the background, will depend on whether institutions remain beholden to personalities or to principle.

29/07/2025

Travel & Leisure

CRK PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE
"First Class Starts Here"
By Mark Sison

Clark, Pampanga — Just a few steps past immigration at Clark International Airport’s (CRK) Terminal 2, serenity begins. In a space where air travel often means standing in long lines and jostling for a seat, the Plaza Premium Lounge offers a rare kind of luxury "silence, space, and service all in one stop".

Located at L3‑174 in the International Pre‑Departure Hall, the lounge sits quietly near the boarding gates, ready to welcome travelers in transit. Whether you’re a corporate flyer headed to Incheon or a family bound for Dubai, this pocket of calm near departure is built for comfort and convenience.

Our visit part of a familiarization and initial meeting hosted by Mary Jane M. Bumanglag, Assistant Manager for Marketing & Communication of Plaza Premium Group, alongside Teri Flores, Head of Corporate Communications at the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) offered an inside look into how CRK is elevating the travel experience.

During an informal media briefing, Flores shared LIPAD’s broader role as the private consortium managing CRK since August 2019.

Since LIPAD took over, CRK initially served 19 domestic and 12 international destinations with some 700 weekly flights. As of early 2025, the airport connects around 19 airlines to roughly 19 domestic and 14 international destinations, offering approximately 200 weekly flights as services rebound and grow.

Major domestic carriers operating from Clark Philippine Airlines / PAL Express, Cebu Pacific / Cebgo, AirAsia Philippines, Sunlight Air and AirSWIFT.

On the international side, CRK connects passengers to key destinations across Asia and the Middle East via Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), Scoot (Singapore), Jetstar Asia (Singapore), Hong Kong Express, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Asiana Airlines, and Air Busan (South Korea), EVA Air and Starlux Airlines (Taiwan), and China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai).

Clark is also a key hub for Cebu Pacific, which offers regional routes to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Narita, and Singapore from CRK.

Inside the Plaza Premium Lounge, the atmosphere shifts instantly from pre-flight stress to structured serenity. Open daily the lounge features comfortable seating bays, charging stations, flight information displays, high-speed Wi-Fi, and TV zones. A rotating spread of local and international dishes is served, with vegetarian options, chilled beer, soda, and light snacks throughout the day.

Travelers with long layovers or early check-ins can access shower suites while nursing mothers are supported with a dedicated nursing room. There’s also a smoking area, thoughtfully tucked away from the main space.

Globally, Plaza Premium Group is known for managing both independent and airline-branded lounges across airports in over 30 countries. It serves major players including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, SkyTeam, and American Express. The group was also the first independent airport lounge brand to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification, underscoring its commitment to consistent, quality service.

Beginning next month, the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) Pampanga Chapter and Plaza Premium Group are launching a monthly forum titled “Travelogs.”

The series to be held within the lounge will bring together stakeholders from aviation, tourism, and the media for discussions on travel trends, connectivity, and the evolving passenger experience. It’s an industry conversation set against the perfect backdrop "calm, connected, and in transit".

BAP NEWS MARK SISON BapNews Mark Sison CLMA Pampanga Chapter MAS Channel: Media, Affairs & Stories

29/07/2025

Get ready for OPFBEX 2025 (One Pampanga Food & Beverage Expo) — a 2-day culinary experience like no other!

📅 September 13–14, 2025
📍 SMX Convention Center, Clark, Pampanga

✨ What’s in store for you?
🔥 Culinary Wars – Watch epic cooking battles!
🤝 Networking (B2B) – Build connections in the food and beverage industry.
👨‍🍳 Chef Talks & Live Demos – Learn from culinary masters.
💬 Side Chat & Panel Talk – Get insights from industry leaders.

🎟️ FREE ADMISSION!
✅ Secure your slot and register now:
👉 Scan the QR code on the poster or click here: https://onepampanga.com/event/10/registration

BAP NEWS MARK SISON BapNews Mark Sison CLMA Pampanga Chapter MAS Channel: Media, Affairs & Stories

29/07/2025

29/07/2025

Get ready for OPFBEX 2025 (One Pampanga Food & Beverage Expo) — a 2-day culinary experience like no other!

📅 September 13–14, 2025
📍 SMX Convention Center, Clark, Pampanga

✨ What’s in store for you?
🔥 Culinary Wars – Watch epic cooking battles!
🤝 Networking (B2B) – Build connections in the food and beverage industry.
👨‍🍳 Chef Talks & Live Demos – Learn from culinary masters.
💬 Side Chat & Panel Talk – Get insights from industry leaders.

🎟️ FREE ADMISSION!
✅ Secure your slot and register now:
👉 Scan the QR code on the poster or click here: https://onepampanga.com/event/10/registration