Sunday Punch

30/05/2025

BREAKING: Former GMA-7 talent Red Steinberg passed away this morning, just three days before his 51st birthday.

30/05/2025

JUST IN: The Habagat season has officially started. PAGASA announced on Friday that the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) has begun in the Philippines, signaling that the rainy season is drawing near.

“As the Habagat becomes more dominant, occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected, particularly over the western sections of the country,” PAGASA said.

The agency also noted that this development could lead to the onset of the rainy season within the next two weeks.

30/05/2025

May 30, 2005
Source: Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas

30/05/2025

DFA reiterates Pag-asa Island and Sandy Cay are Philippine territory

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) asserted that Pag-asa Island and nearby Sandy Cay, also known as Pag-asa Cay 2, are part of Philippine territory amid recent Chinese claims and maritime aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza issued the statement following the May 26 pronouncement of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which justified the use of water cannons against two Filipino civilian vessels near Sandy Cay, claiming the feature is part of China’s territory.

Daza emphasized that Pag-asa Island and the Pag-asa Cays are part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which has long been under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Philippines. She said the Philippines has every right to conduct maritime operations and scientific research in the area.

“The Philippines is clearly within its rights to conduct routine maritime operations and scientific research in and around these features, and will continue to do so,” Daza stated. She added that Philippine actions in the area are in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

Daza said China’s objection to these activities has no legal basis. “China has no right to object, much less interfere with these lawful and routine activities,” she said.

She reiterated the Philippine government’s commitment to peaceful and legal avenues to manage maritime differences.

The statement comes after an incident on May 21, when two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels—BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya—were harassed while conducting marine scientific research near Sandy Cay. The Philippine vessels were shadowed, blocked, water cannoned, and sideswiped by China Coast Guard vessel 21559.

The National Maritime Council condemned the incident, calling it “unlawful interference” within Philippine territorial waters.

30/05/2025

DA and BOC seize P9 million worth of smuggled sugar, P81 million in illicit to***co

The Department of Agriculture (DA), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have seized PHP9 million worth of smuggled sugar and PHP81.06 million in illicit to***co products in separate operations at the Port of Manila.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio led the inspection on Thursday, confirming the confiscation of 2,000 bags of sugar weighing 50 kilograms each. The shipments, equivalent to 100 metric tons, were found in four container vans. Fifty tons came from Thailand and were unauthorized imports, while the remaining 50 tons came from Vietnam and were misdeclared as “sweet mixed powder.”

The inspection was conducted in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the government’s crackdown on agricultural smuggling, which continues to harm local producers and pose risks to consumer health.

Initial testing of the seized sugar revealed contamination with bacteria, prompting further laboratory analysis to determine its safety for consumption. SRA Administrator Luis Pablo Azcona reported that one sample showed 3,775 colony-forming units (CFU) of mesophilic bacteria per 10 grams, significantly exceeding the safety limit of 200 CFU. Mesophilic bacteria thrive in moderate temperatures and may include strains like E. coli and salmonella.

Secretary Laurel said that if subsequent tests confirm the sugar is safe, it may be distributed for public use. However, the sugar will be condemned if deemed unsafe.

The DA and SRA also disclosed that both consignees responsible for the unauthorized and misdeclared sugar shipments were registered with the SRA. Secretary Laurel ordered their immediate blacklisting, adding them to a growing list of banned importers. Currently, three sugar importers and nearly 20 agricultural traders are blacklisted for similar violations.

In a related seizure, the BOC intercepted PHP81.06 million worth of smuggled ci******es, misdeclared as “fabrics.” The shipment contained 1,046 boxes or a total of 52,300 reams of to***co products.

Commissioner Rubio stated that the consignees involved in both smuggling incidents may face charges under the Anti-Economic Sabotage Law. Legal proceedings are underway to ensure accountability.

30/05/2025

Chiz moves impeachment presentation to June 11 to prioritize urgent legislation

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has deferred the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to June 11 to give way to the passage of priority legislative measures ahead of Congress’ sine die adjournment.

In a letter addressed to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday, Escudero explained that the decision was reached following the latest meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), which identified 12 key bills requiring urgent deliberation and passage during the final six session days of the 19th Congress.

The presentation of the impeachment articles is required before the Senate can formally convene as an impeachment court. Under the new timeline, the transmission will take place at 4:00 p.m. on June 11.

Escudero underscored the importance of prioritizing legislation aligned with the administration’s goal of addressing pressing national concerns. “With only six session days before the sine die adjournment, it is imperative for the Senate and the House of Representatives to prioritize the passage of these measures, consistent also with the administration’s thrust to align our government with the people’s needs and expectations,” he wrote.

The 12 LEDAC-identified priority measures include:
• Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act
• E-Governance Act
• Open Access in Data Transmission (Konektadong Pinoy Act)
• Rationalization of the Fiscal Mining Regime
• Amendments to the Universal Health Care Act
• Virology Institute of the Philippines
• Government Optimization Act
• Amendments to the Right-of-Way Act
• Fixed Term of Office for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Officials
• Judicial Fiscal Autonomy
• Denatured Alcohol Tax
• Anti-POGO Act

In addition to legislative priorities, Escudero noted the Commission on Appointments will need to act on over 200 pending presidential appointments once Congress resumes on June 2. These include three Cabinet-level officials, four constitutional commission members, 39 foreign service officers, and 277 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Vice President Duterte was also furnished a copy of Escudero’s letter regarding the adjusted schedule.

30/05/2025

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has maintained close monitoring of the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation in Negros Occidental, as part of ongoing efforts to contain its spread and mitigate damage to sugarcane crops in the province.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has maintained close monitoring of the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation in Negros Occidental, as part of ongoing efforts to contain its spread and mitigate damage to sugarcane crops in the province. In a statement on Thursday, the SRA said th...

30/05/2025

UP Law dean Darlene Berberabe appointed Solicitor General

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law Dean Darlene Marie Berberabe as the country’s new Solicitor General, replacing Menardo Guevarra.

Berberabe officially took her oath of office before the President on Thursday, May 29, during a ceremony in Malacañang, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the appointment during a Palace press briefing, saying the decision was part of efforts to inject “fresh blood” into the administration. He said Guevarra, who had served since the beginning of the Marcos presidency and was previously Justice Secretary under former President Rodrigo Duterte, may pursue other endeavors.

Bersamin expressed confidence in Berberabe’s capabilities, noting her extensive experience in law and public service. A summa cm laude graduate in philosophy from UP in 1989, Berberabe also graduated as salutatorian from the UP College of Law in 1999. She began her legal career at Quisumbing Torres Law Firm and later served as general counsel at Procter & Gamble.

Berberabe also headed the Pag-IBIG Fund during the Aquino administration, where she was recognized for her leadership and commitment to governance and reform. Bersamin noted that her academic background and leadership in both the private and public sectors will serve her well in her new role.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) serves as the legal counsel of the government, representing the state, its agencies, and officials in court, particularly in high-profile or constitutional cases.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed Berberabe’s appointment, calling it timely and critical. He praised her competence, integrity, and independent judgment, noting her potential to lead the OSG amid complex legal challenges.

Romualdez, a fellow UP law alumnus, said Berberabe’s credentials demonstrate “discipline, fairness, and vision,” qualities needed to protect the government’s legal interests.

Also taking his oath of office before the President on the same day was Jose Ramon Aliling, the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). These appointments form part of a broader reorganization ordered by President Marcos following the May 2025 midterm elections, which included the call for courtesy resignations from his Cabinet to realign the administration’s priorities.

📸/Source: Jamie Christine Lim

30/05/2025

Two weather systems are expected to bring widespread rain across Luzon on Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Two weather systems are expected to bring widespread rain across Luzon on Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The southwesterly windflow will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administr...

30/05/2025

Time for Teves to face justice, says President Marcos

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said it is time for former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to face the charges filed against him following his repatriation to the Philippines from Timor-Leste.

In a video message released Thursday through the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos welcomed the return of Teves and praised the government of Timor-Leste for facilitating his repatriation. The President made the statement shortly after the Philippine Air Force aircraft carrying Teves made a refueling stop in Davao City en route to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Marcos said he was informed of the development by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão during the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Marcos extended his gratitude to both Prime Minister Gusmão and President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste for their role in enabling the deportation of Teves, stating that they worked “very hard to bring this matter to a conclusion.”

Teves is facing multiple criminal charges, including the assassination of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo in 2023 and a series of other killings in 2019. In a separate video also released by the PCO, authorities informed Teves of his arrest upon arrival, citing a warrant issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court in September 2023.

The warrant covers 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder. In 2024, the Dumaguete Regional Trial Court also issued a separate arrest order for Teves over charges of murder, illegal possession of explosives and fi****ms, and financing terrorism.

Under Section 25 of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, Teves and 12 others were designated as leaders of a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council through Resolution 43 (2023). The resolution cited their involvement in orchestrated killings and violent acts in Negros Oriental.

Marcos said the repatriation and arrest of Teves send a clear message that acts of lawlessness will not be tolerated and will be met with justice.

Ctto Nightline News

30/05/2025

Senior government officials included in ongoing performance review, says Bersamin

The ongoing performance review ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. covers not only Cabinet members but also senior officials throughout the government, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed on Thursday.

Speaking at a Palace press briefing, Bersamin said the President’s directive is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation across the bureaucracy to assess the effectiveness of government agencies, systems, and the quality of public services delivered at the ground level.

“The people expect results and the President has no patience for underperformance,” Bersamin said. “He has further indicated that senior officials will likewise be included in the continuing review.”

As part of this process, heads of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) were earlier asked to submit courtesy resignations. Bersamin noted that Marcos is determined to initiate leadership changes where necessary to ensure that government operations remain responsive and efficient.

He also commended officials who complied with the directive, emphasizing that the move is not a political purge but a recalibration aimed at improving governance.

“Each resignation accepted is based on a careful assessment of whether the standards set by the President for efficiency and leadership have been met. Some have delivered, others have not,” he added.

Bersamin assured that the government is managing the transition process to maintain service continuity and administrative stability, in line with the administration’s commitment to performance and accountability.

29/05/2025

Bohol airport modernization expected to boost province’s economic growth

The upcoming modernization of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) is projected to drive significant economic growth in the province, according to its new operator, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC).

In a statement released Wednesday, AIC President and CEO Cosette Canilao said the infrastructure upgrades are aimed at transforming Bohol into a more vibrant hub for tourism and business activity in the Visayas region. She emphasized that the project is not only an investment in infrastructure but also in the province’s future as an economic and tourism center.

The official turnover of BPIA operations to AIC is scheduled for June 16. Under a PHP4.53 billion investment plan, the company will expand the airport’s passenger terminal building, introduce advanced aviation systems, and improve both airside and landside facilities.

Rafael Aboitiz, AIC vice president and head of its Airports Business, said the modernization project would enhance the passenger experience while contributing to the development of local communities and businesses.

Currently capable of handling two million passengers per year, the airport’s capacity is expected to increase to 2.5 million within one to two years of the AIC takeover. Future expansions could raise capacity to 3.9 million passengers annually by 2030.

The BPIA joins Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu and Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental in AIC’s growing aviation portfolio.

The infrastructure improvements align with Bohol’s long-term development goals identified by the Provincial Planning and Development Office, which include promoting sustainable tourism, advancing climate-smart agriculture, and supporting micro-enterprises.