Kabenguetan News Network, Baguio City (2026)

12/05/2026

BENGUET NETIZENS CONFUSED OVER REPORTED YAP 'YES VOTE' ON VP SARA IMPEACHMENT

BAGUIO CITY - Questions and confusion surfaced among Benguet netizens after reports circulated online claiming that Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap supposedly voted in favor of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives.

The reports immediately drew attention online, particularly among residents in Benguet who pointed out that Yap was seen attending multiple activities in the province during the same period the impeachment endorsement proceedings were taking place in Manila.

Social media posts, photos, and event updates showed the congressman participating in gatherings with students, youth beneficiaries, and constituents as part of previously scheduled engagements that coincided with his birthday.

This led many online observers to question how the Benguet solon could have supposedly participated in the plenary session while physically present in the province throughout the day.

Several supporters also noted that Yap appeared occupied with local activities attended by hundreds of residents, further fueling discussions across social media platforms regarding the accuracy of circulating reports linking him to the impeachment move.

The issue quickly became a talking point among local netizens, with some calling for clarification amid conflicting information spreading online.

The impeachment complaint against Duterte has since become one of the country’s most politically charged developments, triggering nationwide debate and exposing divisions even among regional political allies.

In the Cordillera, the issue gained additional attention after reports emerged that all lawmakers from the region supported the impeachment complaint, placing particular focus on the position of the Benguet representative.

11/05/2026

ERIC GO YAP MARKS BIRTHDAY WITH NEARLY 700 TULONG DUNONG SCHOLARS IN BENGUET

BENGUET — Instead of a grand personal celebration, Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap chose to spend his birthday with nearly 700 beneficiaries of the Tulong Dunong Program, turning the occasion into a meaningful gathering centered on education, hope, and youth empowerment.

Student-scholars from different municipalities across Benguet came together for a fellowship activity where they shared lunch with the lawmaker, exchanged stories, and received words of encouragement as they continue pursuing their studies and aspirations.

The gathering reflected Yap’s continuing push to strengthen educational assistance programs in the province, particularly for deserving students who struggle with financial challenges but remain determined to finish their education.

Through the Tulong Dunong Program, hundreds of young Benguet scholars have been given support to continue schooling and build better opportunities for themselves and their families, a cause the congressman said remains close to his heart.

Rather than focusing on personal festivities, the event became a celebration of shared dreams and gratitude, with scholars expressing appreciation for the assistance extended to them through the program.

The fellowship also underscored the growing role of youth-centered initiatives in Benguet, as education continues to be seen as a vital pathway toward stronger communities and a brighter future for the province.

For many of the students present, the gathering was more than a birthday celebration — it was a reminder that their ambitions matter and that support for their education continues to open doors toward a better tomorrow.

10/05/2026

MAGALONG ORDERS SHUTDOWN OF ALL BUSINESSES INSIDE BAYANIHAN BUILDING OVER SAFETY VIOLATIONS

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City government has ordered the immediate closure of all business establishments operating inside the Bayanihan Building after authorities declared the structure “dangerous and ruinous” for allegedly violating national building safety regulations.

The shutdown directive stemmed from Administrative Order No. 92, series of 2026, issued by Benjamin Magalong.

In the notice, city authorities cited violations of Presidential Decree No. 1096, also known as the National Building Code of the Philippines. Officials said the condition of the building fell under Section 214 of the code, which covers structures deemed unsafe or hazardous to the public.

The closure order affects all businesses currently operating inside the building, signaling a sweeping enforcement move by the city government amid growing concerns over public safety and structural compliance.

City Hall has yet to announce how long the closure will remain in effect, but the order underscores the administration’s intensified campaign against establishments found to be operating in violation of safety and building regulations.

The Bayanihan Building has long been a known commercial site in the city’s downtown area, making the closure likely to affect both tenants and customers who frequent the establishment.

Authorities are expected to carry out enforcement and monitoring operations to ensure compliance with the order.

09/05/2026

HAPPENING NOW: 1st Benguet Open Dancesport Competition 2026 and PDSFI Grandslam Luzon Leg at the Benguet Sports Complex. (May 9-10, 2026)

07/05/2026

GOV. LACWASAN LEADS 4-TON WOMBOK HAUL FROM TADIAN TO FEED EASTERN MONTAÑOSA COMMUNITIES

TADIAN, Mountain Province — In a show of solidarity with struggling farmers and remote communities, Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr. led an initiative that saw nearly 4,000 kilos of freshly harvested wombok hauled from the uplands of Am-am, Cadad-anan, Tadian for distribution to residents in eastern Montañosa.

The vegetables, grown by local farmer and Barangay Kagawad Ador Amon, became the centerpiece of a provincial effort aimed at easing the burden on farmers while ensuring fresh produce reaches communities with limited access to agricultural goods.

Provincial government personnel, led by Executive Assistant Winston V. Calde, joined the harvesting and hauling operations, helping transport the massive volume of Chinese cabbage from the farming village to distribution points bound for eastern municipalities.

Officials said the initiative was more than just a vegetable transport operation. It was a direct intervention meant to prevent wastage of farm produce while supporting local growers facing unstable market conditions.

The provincial government described the effort as part of a continuing push to strengthen agricultural support systems and reinforce the culture of “binnadang” or communal cooperation among Mountain Province communities.

Residents in recipient areas are expected to receive the fresh vegetables in the coming days as part of the province’s food distribution efforts.

07/05/2026

PRO-CAR LAUDS INCREASE IN PNP TRUST RATING

BENGUET - Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region has welcomed the latest nationwide survey showing improved public confidence in the Philippine National Police, saying the results reflect stronger police-community relations and heightened visibility of officers on the ground.

The first-quarter 2026 survey conducted by OCTA Research recorded a 63-percent trust rating and a 61-percent satisfaction rating for the PNP nationwide, with improved police visibility and quicker response times identified as major factors behind the increase.

For PRO-CAR Regional Director PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag, the numbers go beyond statistics.

He said the survey reflects the impact of sustained police presence in communities across the Cordillera, from urban centers to far-flung barangays, where officers have intensified foot patrols and community engagement efforts.

PRO-CAR said it has continued to strengthen crime prevention campaigns, anti-illegal drug operations, internal cleansing initiatives, and law enforcement activities while maintaining what it described as a “visible and accessible” police force.

The regional police office added that the rising trust and satisfaction ratings serve as both recognition and challenge for the organization to further improve public service and ensure residents feel secure in their communities.

Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to the PNP’s “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman” program, emphasizing continued operational readiness and public safety efforts across the Cordillera region.

07/05/2026

INITIAL 13 TONS OF ATOK VEGETABLES ROLL INTO QUEZON CITY UNDER FARMERS’ RESCUE-BUY DRIVE

BAGUIO CITY — A convoy loaded with freshly harvested highland vegetables rolled out of Atok, Benguet this week bound for Quezon City, marking the first major delivery under “Project UBBO,” a farmer-support initiative created to cushion growers from collapsing market prices and soaring fuel costs.

The shipment, delivered on May 6, carried 13,505 kilos of vegetables harvested from eight barangays in Atok. Packed into the delivery were cabbage, wombok, chayote, broccoli, tomatoes, and potatoes; crops that farmers say have recently been hit by unstable trading prices in traditional markets.

The initiative was led by Atok Councilor Kelly Denn Tomas together with Harvey Keh of the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation and the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office headed by Mona Celine Marie V. Yap.

Unlike the usual trading system where farmers are often forced to sell produce at heavily reduced prices, organizers said Project UBBO was designed to ensure growers receive fair compensation based on actual production costs.

Pricing was guided by computations from the Consortium of Siged Farmers and Responsible Markets (COSFARM), a move organizers said protects farmers from selling at a loss during periods of oversupply.

The Quezon City government also absorbed transportation expenses and guaranteed prompt payment upon delivery — a critical support mechanism for farmers who frequently shoulder hauling costs while waiting days or even weeks before receiving payment from traders.

Cherry Sano of the Atok Office of the Municipal Agriculturist said the program has already brought immediate relief to local farmers, many of whom were worried about unsold vegetables piling up amid weak farmgate prices.

Project organizers are targeting the delivery of around 122,000 kilos of vegetables within the next month as the initiative scales up operations.

Beyond the numbers, organizers hope the program can become a working model for other local governments and private institutions seeking direct ways to support agricultural communities and stabilize the income of local farmers.

For Benguet growers long accustomed to unpredictable market swings, the first shipment represented more than a simple delivery. It was a sign that direct partnerships between farmers and consumers may finally offer a more sustainable path forward.

06/05/2026

CORDILLERANS DOMINATE PMA “TALANG DANGAL” CLASS OF 2026

BAGUIO CITY — Cadets from the Cordillera highlands are once again at the forefront of military service as they top the graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026, set to graduate on May 16 at Fort del Pilar.

Out of 207 cadets marching to the long gray line, 23 hail from the Cordillera Administrative Region accounting for 11.11 percent of the entire class, the highest among all regions in the country. The Cordilleran contingent includes nine women and 14 men, underscoring the region’s sustained presence and growing gender balance within the country’s premier military institution.

Trailing behind are cadets from CALABARZON with 19 graduates, while the National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley, and Bicol Region are tied with 18 each. Notably, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has no graduate in this year’s class.

Named “Talang Dangal,” an acronym for Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal, the class reflects both tradition and transition within the academy. Of the total graduates, 142 are male and 65 are female, numbers that continue to highlight the increasing role of women in the armed forces.

Upon commissioning, the majority of the class will join the Philippine Army with 76 new officers, followed by 69 entering the Philippine Navy, and 62 to the Philippine Air Force. A significant portion of female graduates will be deployed across all three major service branches, marking a continued shift toward a more inclusive officer corps.

The academic background of the graduating class also reflects the academy’s evolving recruitment pool. Only one cadet enters graduation with a completed college degree, while the majority, 142, are college undergraduates and 64 are senior high school graduates prior to entering the academy.

As the cadets prepare to take their oath, the strong showing from the Cordilleras signals more than just numbers. It reflects a deep-rooted culture of service, discipline, and leadership from the region long known for producing some of the country’s most steadfast defenders.

05/05/2026

BENGUET SEEKS MANILA AID ON VEGGIE OVERSUPPLY; ISKO OFFERS TRADE FAIR STOPGAP

BAGUIO CITY — Isko Moreno met with members of the Benguet Provincial Board to tackle the province’s persistent vegetable oversupply, with local officials formally seeking assistance from the Manila City Government.

The discussion centered on SP Resolution No. 2026-0601, a measure requesting Manila’s support in the purchase and distribution of Benguet vegetables to help address excess production and prevent wastage among farmers.

During the meeting, Moreno said the city government would assess the feasibility of directly procuring vegetables from Benguet growers as part of a possible intervention.

Pending this evaluation, the Manila mayor offered an interim solution through a Producer–Consumer Trade Fair, aimed at allowing farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to sell their products directly to urban consumers.

Moreno said Benguet stakeholders have been granted the use of Kartilya ng Katipunan, located behind Manila City Hall, free of charge for one to two weeks starting May 11.

The site will serve as a temporary marketplace where Benguet products, including vegetables, coffee, textiles, flowers, and other local goods, can be sold directly, eliminating layers of intermediaries and potentially improving earnings for producers.

The Benguet Provincial Board has been pushing for immediate interventions to stabilize the vegetable market, as farmers continue to face recurring losses due to oversupply and unstable prices.

Further details on the proposed procurement arrangement are expected once the Manila City Government completes its assessment.

📷 BM Charmaine Molintas-Likigan

05/05/2026

RTC JUNKS IPMR CASES AS REPRESENTATIVE ALREADY IN PLACE

BAGUIO CITY — A Regional Trial Court here has dismissed a set of consolidated civil cases questioning the city’s Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), ruling that developments outside the courtroom had already rendered the dispute irrelevant.

In an order dated March 17, 2026, Regional Trial Court Branch 6 Presiding Judge Michael V. Francisco threw out Civil Case Nos. 8783, 8785, and 8899, all of which sought to prevent Roger Sinot Sr. from assuming or exercising authority as IPMR in the Baguio City Council.

The court held that there was no longer any justiciable issue to resolve after a new IPMR had already been selected and recognized.

Court records show that while the cases were pending, a separate selection process was carried out under revised guidelines issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Maximo Hilario Edwin Jr. emerged from that process, receiving a Certificate of Affirmation on February 2, 2023, taking his oath the following day, and later securing formal recognition from the Baguio City Council through Resolution No. 075, series of 2023.

Edwin has since been participating in regular council sessions as the city’s IPMR.

Citing these developments, the Baguio City government moved to dismiss the cases, arguing that the central issue, whether Sinot could occupy the post, had already been overtaken by events. The Office of the Solicitor General did not oppose the motion, pointing to what it described as “supervening events” that effectively settled the matter.

Sinot, however, opposed the dismissal, maintaining that the validity of his own selection still required judicial determination. He argued that a favorable ruling could allow him to assume the position or compel a new selection process, and questioned the timing of Edwin’s appointment while the cases were unresolved.

The court was not persuaded.

In its ruling, it explained that a case becomes “moot and academic” when subsequent events make it impossible to grant effective relief. It noted that the relief originally sought by the petitioners—to stop Sinot from acting as IPMR—had effectively been achieved by the installation of another representative.

With Edwin already affirmed, sworn in, and functioning as IPMR, the court said there was no longer any practical issue left to decide.

The court further observed that the revised NCIP guidelines used in the selection process had been implemented without being legally challenged.

All three cases were thus dismissed. The ruling underscores how shifts in administrative processes and leadership can overtake pending legal disputes, particularly in matters governed by the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and NCIP procedures.

03/05/2026

OPINION: BAGUIO'S 'PASUGALAN' DILEMMA

In foggy Baguio City, the "libuo" doesn’t hide things for long. It lifts. And when it does, what’s underneath is usually what people already knew. Han tayo naianak di kalman.

The gambling issue is not new. The blast along Magsaysay didn’t create it. It exposed it in the most theatrical manner. For a few days, there was noise; statements, assurances, the usual promise that it will be “eradicated.” But on the ground, the reaction was different. Less surprise, more skepticism, more satirical memes.

The script is all too familiar. Close one spot, another opens. Tighten enforcement in the city, operations drift toward La Trinidad or the next town. The players follow. They always do. Gambling here doesn’t end but relocates. Kasla turista lang na kung saan may view, doon pupunta; and for the gamblin' man, kung saan may laro, doon din.

The uncomfortable truth is that you can raid a place, but you can’t raid demand. As long as people choose to gamble, it's almost impossible to stop it. The recent viral videos of illegal gambling dens are proof of this no matter how their existence are downplayed with words like, "restaurant", "cafe", and "sari-sari store".

There are, of course, the usual whispers like " Intelihensya", "protection, “monthly payola,” selective enforcement. Whether proven or not, they persist for a reason. When something keeps operating despite repeated crackdowns, people start connecting dots. And the dots are hard to ignore.

But even strip all that away, one fact remains: gambling is older than any ordinance trying to stop it. Human beings seem to have the tendency to bet about everything and gambling survives because people keep showing up. Eradication sounds strong but in practice, it’s just a cycle of denial and displacement.

Other places stopped pretending and changed their approach. Singapore didn’t ban it outright. They locked it into a tightly controlled system. Macau regulates it down to the last chip. Parts of the United States chose oversight over illusion. In our case, we managed to dress jueteng in legal garment and renamed it to STL.

The point isn’t to copy them wholesale but to be honest about what works. Right now, Baguio sits in a gray zone; illegal, yet thriving, condemned, yet tolerated. And in that gray zone, only one side consistently wins and it's the ones operating in the dark. So perhaps it’s time to stop dreaming this can be wiped out completely.

Regulate it. Limit it. License a few, watch them closely, tax them heavily, and make that money work for the public such as health services, enforcement, community programs. Give the current operators contract preferences. Employ those already running the show tapnu awan mabisinan. Then draw a clear line. Outside that system, crack down for real.

Not for headlines. Not for show. For once, for real. Because as long as the city insists “there’s nothing there,” while everyone else sees otherwise, the gap between words and reality will keep widening.

And people will keep asking the same question:
If there’s no game, why is everyone still playing?

GP Abela (04-03-26)

Kabenguetan News Network

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