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Lokal, Laiya (2026)

08/06/2026

MAGNITUDE 7.8 QUAKE STRIKES OFF THE SARANGANI COAST, ROCKS MINDANAO

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. Monday, shaking large parts of Mindanao and triggering tsunami warnings across several coastal areas.

The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, was strongly felt in General Santos City, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao Region, and neighboring provinces.

Residents rushed out of homes, schools, offices, and public buildings as strong tremors rattled the region.

Authorities reported damage to some buildings, power outages, and disruptions in telecommunications services in parts of Sarangani.

Coastal communities were ordered to move to higher ground amid fears of tsunami waves, while aftershocks continued to be felt throughout the morning.

Government agencies have begun assessing the extent of the damage as emergency response operations remain underway. Initial reports of casualties are still being verified by local authorities.

Resource: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/magnitude-78-quake-jolts-sarangani-shakes-large-parts-of-mindanao

05/06/2026

MERALCO, PARTNERS PREPARE BASECO DAYCARE CENTER FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

As the new school year approaches, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), together with PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) and Alagang Kapatid Foundation (AKFI), helped transform the Manila Child Development Center Cluster 2 in Baseco, Manila into a brighter and more welcoming space for young learners.

OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao, PSF President Esther Santos, AKFI Executive Director Menchie Silvestre, and employee-volunteers painted colorful murals and refreshed the daycare center to inspire children as they begin a new school year.

OMF also donated solar lamps to help bring light to the homes of daycare students, while partner foundations provided learning materials, a mobile library, and vegetable seeds for the school’s garden.

The initiative reflects Meralco’s commitment to supporting education and helping Filipino children build brighter futures.

05/06/2026

“KUNIN N’YO YAN SA TAXES NA BINABAYAD NA NAMIN”: PROPOSED ADDT’L P480 IMMIGRATION TRAVEL FEE RAISES COST CONCERNS

A proposed additional P480 immigration fee for international travelers is drawing criticism as passengers push back against rising travel costs.

Under a Bureau of Immigration (BI) plan to modernize the country’s border security system, passengers would be charged P240 upon departure and another P240 upon arrival, or an additional P480 to the cost of a roundtrip journey.

The fee would fund a new border management system featuring biometric screening, automated e-gates, and enhanced security monitoring.

Critics say travelers are being asked to shoulder another expense on top of the existing P1,620 travel tax.

Content creator and consumer advocate Carlo Ople echoed public frustration, saying government upgrades should not be passed on to passengers.

“Naiintindihan namin na kailangan n’yo ng better tools. Naiintindihan namin na kailangan n’yo ng better services. Pero huwag n’yong singilin sa’min ‘yan ng ganito. Kunin n’yo ‘yan sa budget ninyo. Kunin n’yo ‘yan sa mga taxes na binabayad na namin sa inyo,” Ople said.

The proposal has sparked debate on whether border security modernization should be funded through additional passenger fees or existing government budgets.

03/06/2026

HOUSE EXPELS KIKO BARZAGA OVER ‘DISRUPTIVE’ CONDUCT

The House of Representatives has voted to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga over what lawmakers described as repeated “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior, marking a rare disciplinary action against a sitting member of Congress.

The expulsion was approved by an overwhelming vote of 265 lawmakers, following findings by the House Committee on Ethics that Barzaga committed conduct unbecoming of a member and repeatedly violated House rules.

House leaders said the move came after a series of controversies involving Barzaga, who had already been suspended twice before being expelled from the chamber.

02/06/2026

MERALCO, PASIG LGU TEAM UP TO REMOVE ILLEGAL OCTOPUS WIRES IN ANTI-URBAN BLIGHT CAMPAIGN

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the local government of Pasig City have joined forces to remove illegal and unauthorized telecommunications wires, commonly known as “octopus wires,” as part of Meralco’s Anti-Urban Blight campaign, which is aimed at improving public safety.

The cleanup drive targeted hazardous wire connections attached to Meralco’s electric poles and facilities, which pose risks to residents and contribute to visual clutter in communities.

The operation also included the repair and maintenance of power poles and distribution lines to help ensure safer and more orderly neighborhoods.

The initiative was conducted in partnership with Mayor Vico Sotto and Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., underscoring the importance of collaboration between utility providers and local governments.

“Malaking bagay ang pagtutulungan ng Meralco at ng mga LGU upang mas mapalakas ang mga programang nakatuon sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng publiko,” said Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga.

01/06/2026

GREGORIA DE JESUS’ ANCESTRAL HOME DEMOLISHED WITHOUT PERMITS, ADVOCATES ALLEGE

Historical advocates have alleged that the ancestral home of Philippine revolutionary figure Gregoria de Jesus, also known as “Oriang,” is being demolished without the permits and clearances required by law.

The De Jesus-Del Rosario-Lucena Ancestral House in Bilibid Viejo, Manila, a structure believed to be around 150 years old, has reportedly been undergoing demolition since March, according to history advocate Diego Gabriel Torres, who documented portions of the house being gradually dismantled.

The reported demolition has fueled concerns over possible violations of Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which prohibits the destruction or alteration of cultural properties without authorization from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts or other relevant cultural agencies.

Earlier reports identified the property’s new owner as allegedly a Chinese national.

31/05/2026

MERALCO BACKS GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO LOWER POWER RATES

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) expressed support for the government's efforts to identify practical and sustainable ways to reduce electricity costs, saying it remains committed to measures that can help ease the burden on Filipino consumers.

According to Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga, the company understands the concerns of households and businesses affected by high electricity costs and remains open to working with government and industry stakeholders on long-term solutions.

"We have always been very proactive in seeking ways to ease the burden on all power consumers and implement initiatives that mitigate increases in rates," said Zaldarriaga.

Meralco said it has been actively coordinating with the Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and other energy sector stakeholders on initiatives aimed at helping manage electricity costs while ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.

The company explained that a significant portion of electricity rates is driven by generation charges, fuel costs, supply conditions, and foreign exchange movements. These charges are largely determined by market conditions and are not set by power distribution utilities alone.

"Electricity rates in the Philippines reflect the actual cost of power. Unlike some neighboring countries, power rates here are generally not subsidized by government," Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco also noted that its distribution charge accounts for only about 12% of the average customer bill and has remained unchanged for more than 15 years despite inflation, rising operating costs, and movements in the peso.

The power distributor emphasized that it remains ready to work with government agencies, regulators, lawmakers, and consumer groups on measures that are fair, transparent, and consistent with existing laws and regulatory policies, while ensuring the continued delivery of reliable and dependable electricity service.

29/05/2026

DENR, SMC HALT QUIRINO AVENUE TREE CUTTING AMID PUBLIC OUTCRY

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has temporarily suspended the cutting of trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx) project following protests and public backlash.

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the project proponent voluntarily agreed to stop operations while authorities study whether the remaining trees can still be relocated instead of cut down.

“Right now, the cutting has voluntarily stopped… Let’s pause it for now,” Cuna said, admitting the DENR was also “really sad” over the removal of the trees.

More than 200 mature trees, mostly Narra, had already been cut under a DENR permit covering 617 trees before operations were halted.

Environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment welcomed the suspension but said “a suspension is not enough,” insisting the project should be permanently stopped and those responsible held accountable.

The SALEx project of San Miguel Corporation is a proposed 40.62-kilometer expressway linking Skyway Stage 3, Roxas Boulevard, and the planned Shoreline Expressway.

29/05/2026

EV INDUSTRY IN PH GAINS MOMENTUM AMID PUSH FOR INFRA, POLICY SUPPORT

The Philippines’ electric vehicle (EV) industry is gaining momentum as rising fuel costs, growing consumer interest, and stronger private sector investments drive demand for cleaner transport solutions.

During the recent Solar & Storage Live Philippines conference, industry leaders highlighted the need for stronger public-private partnerships, expanded charging infrastructure, and targeted government incentives to accelerate EV adoption nationwide.

Recent data showed total EV sales, including e-bikes and other electric transport, surged by 288% to 5,855 units in April from 1,509 units a year ago.

“What used to be a niche market is now moving into the mainstream, driven both by necessity and improving technology,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications of Meralco.

The Department of Trade and Industry has also rolled out a P2-billion e-transport loan program to help transport operators shift to electric vehicles.

With demand rising and investments expanding, stakeholders said the Philippines is now at a crucial point in accelerating its transition toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility.

28/05/2026

“IT’S THE RULES, STUPID!” -SEN. PING LACSON HITS MARCOLETA OVER REMARK VS HONTIVEROS

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson took a swipe at Sen. Rodante Marcoleta after the latter questioned Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ legal background during a heated Senate plenary session.

In a social media post, Lacson criticized Marcoleta’s remark, “Without giving meaning to anything, ito po ang mahirap kasi kung wala po tayong legal background dito.
Kaya sinasabi ko na nga po... hindi po bagong motion ito,” which he made after Hontiveros challenged the majority’s move to proceed with voting despite the absence of a Committee on Rules.

“In a condescending tone, a colleague, who is a lawyer, took issue with Sen. Hontiveros’ lack of ‘legal background.’ I have a simple message- it’s the RULES, stupid!” Lacson said.

Lokal

08/06/2026

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

31/05/2026

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

28/05/2026

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