Johnny Gomez Live

19/10/2025

DPWH, Senate, House ratings decline - PAHAYAG

Manila, Philippines, 19 October 2025 – Amid corruption controversies over anomalous flood control projects and alleged budget insertions, public trust and approval for key government institutions have sharply declined. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Senate, and the House of Representatives (HOR) emerged as the three least approved and least trusted agencies in the country.

The DPWH posted the steepest drop, with approval falling (33% in Q2 to 12% in Q3) and trust (22% to 8%), largely due to its central role in the controversial flood control projects. The HOR followed, with approval down (31% to 21%) and trust (21% to 11%). The Senate ranked third, with approval sliding (32% to 28%) and trust (22% to 16%). The declines in both legislative chambers are attributed to their involvement in the budget process, particularly amid allegations of illegal budget insertions and calls for greater transparency in national spending.

Public Confidence Drops in Key Budget and Accountability Agencies
The Commission on Audit (COA) also records one of the sharpest declines, with approval drops (45% to 31%) and trust (33% to 21%). The dip comes amid public concern over COA’s role in auditing substandard or “ghost” flood control projects and potential conflicts of interest involving Commissioner Mario Lipana, whose wife’s construction firm reportedly secured millions in government contracts.

The Department of Finance (DOF) also saw approval fall (35% to 30%) and trust (24% to 19%), reflecting public skepticism over rising government debt and fiscal transparency. Similarly, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) registered declines in approval (32% to 26%) and trust (23% to 18%) amid allegations of redundant allocations and questionable budget insertions in the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) saw approval decrease (45% to 41%) and trust (31% to 29%), as doubts grew about its effectiveness in flood identification and mitigation. The Department of Tourism (DOT) experiences similar declines, with approval falling (50% to 46%) and trust (34% to 30%), due to concerns over its ability to ensure tourist safety and support tourism workers during natural disasters.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) drops (39% to 35%) in approval and (26% to 23%) in trust, questioning the agency’s role in work and class suspension announcements during severe weather events.

TESDA, DOST, and AFP Remain the Most Approved and Trusted Agencies
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) remains the most approved (63%) and most trusted (45%) government agency, reflecting strong public confidence in its programs providing technical and vocational training for better employment opportunities.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) follows, with 59% approval and 40% trust, recognized for its early warning systems through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), disaster risk reduction initiatives via the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and scholarship programs that promote science and technology (S&T) education.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ranks third with 53% approval and 43% trust, bolstered by public support for its efforts to defend national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea.

Senators Affected by the Flood Control Investigation
Among the senators elected in 2022, Risa Hontiveros remains the most favored, with a 52% favorability rating—widening her lead over Raffy Tulfo (41%) and Loren Legarda (38%). In contrast, senators linked to the ongoing DPWH flood control project investigation have seen sharp increases in unfavorability, resulting in significant negative net favorability scores: Chiz Escudero (-26%), Joel Villanueva (-29%), Mark Villar (-36%), and Jinggoy Estrada (-47%).

17/10/2025

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa’s comment — “At least tayo ang nag-expose… It’s better tayo nag-expose kaysa tayo in-expose. Bahala na sila magpaliwanag: si LGU.” — has drawn scrutiny for its tone and implications. The remark, made during an inspection of a Super Health Center in Marikina, sounds less like a commitment to accountability and more like an exercise in image management.

Critics point out that Herbosa’s words suggest a preoccupation with controlling the narrative rather than addressing the problem itself. Instead of explaining what went wrong with the project or how the DOH plans to resolve it, he framed the issue as a matter of “who exposed whom.”

The line “Bahala na sila magpaliwanag: si LGU” further implies a shifting of blame to local authorities, raising questions about DOH’s oversight and partnership with local governments. Ultimately, the statement makes it seem that the priority is saving face — not saving public trust.

16/10/2025

Kabataan, tayo na! Ipakita ang iyong lakas, talino at paninindigan para sa bayan 🇵🇭

Magpa-rehistro mula October 20, 2025 hanggang May 18, 2026, 8:00AM-5:00PM, Lunes hanggang Sabado, kasama ang Holidays.

Para naman sa mga probinsya sa BARMM, ang voter registration ay mula May 1-18, 2026.

PAALALA: Magdala ng isang valid government-issued ID. Hindi tatanggapin ang cedula, Barangay-issued Certificate at Barangay ID.

PS. Tatanggapin ang lahat ng uri ng aplikasyon, kasama na ang TRANSFER.

16/10/2025

Dear Congressman Kiko Barzaga,

I wish to clarify that during my tenure as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), I had no involvement in any flood control projects. Furthermore, my nephew, Congressman JC Abalos, was not involved in any such undertakings.

If I recall correctly, this issue began when you were asked by the Ethics Committee, chaired by Congressman JC, to appear before it. You did not appear and instead hurled unfounded and malicious accusations against me, JC, and my family.

Unsolicited advice, Cong. Kiko: as public servants, our foremost responsibility is to the people. It would be proper to address the issues being discussed in the committee instead of resorting to baseless accusations. As a father, I pray that you be guided in the actions you will undertake moving forward, and that you set a good example for the next generation.

I wish you well.

Respectfully,
Benhur Abalos
Former DILG Secretary

15/10/2025

Images Shared by ICI During Hearing with Contractor Couple Curlee and Sara Discaya

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) confirmed that contractor couple Curlee and Sara Discaya have withdrawn their cooperation from the ongoing investigation into the anomalous flood control projects.

According to ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka, the couple decided to disengage after growing disheartened upon realizing they would not be granted state witness status.

This followed ICI Commissioner Rogelio Singson’s statement that he did not see any potential witnesses fit to be recommended for state protection.

With key insiders now turning their backs, observers are asking: Is the ICI investigation truly moving forward — or are potential breakthroughs slipping away?

The Discayas’ lawyer, Atty. Cornelio Samaniego, declined to issue any comment after the hearing.

15/10/2025

JUST IN: The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has released a new list of 19 individuals for whom it has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) in connection with the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

The request, sent on October 13, 2025, covers the following individuals:

1. Former Cong. Mary Mitzi “Mitch” Cajayon-Uy

2. Arturo “Art” Atayde

3. Alvin Tan

4. B**g Marasigan

5. Elmer de Leon

6. Ed Fuentebella

7. Johnny Santos

8. John Mary Vianney Parago

9. Alvin Mariano

10. Ryan Uy

11. Darryl Recio

12. Nestor Venturina

13. Benjie Tocol

14. Romeo “Bogs” Magalong Jr.

15. District Engr. Ramon Devanadera

16. District Engr. Johnny Protesta Jr.

17. District Engr. Aristotle Ramos

18. District Engr. Michael P. Rosaria

19. Engr. Angelita Garucha

The ICI said the move is part of its ongoing investigation into irregularities involving ghost flood control projects nationwide.

15/10/2025

BAYAN HITS AZURIN OVER ‘LECTURE’ ON JUSTICE VS CORRUPTION

MANILA, Philippines — A day after ICI Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin called on the public to “expose corruption not with anger but with justice,” progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) fired back, saying Azurin should focus on pursuing those behind the misuse of public funds instead of lecturing citizens.

“Today we are called not to fight one another, but to stand together, not through protests or rallies, but through truth, unity, and justice. Let us expose corruption not with anger but with justice,” Azurin said during his October 13 statement.

The former police chief, now serving as adviser to the Integrity and Corruption Investigation (ICI), urged calm and cooperation amid growing frustration over alleged ghost flood control projects being probed by the agency.

But BAYAN was quick to respond, criticizing what it described as an “out-of-touch” remark.

“Azurin should focus on running after those who stole public funds instead of lecturing citizens and flood victims about how to express our outrage against large-scale corruption,” BAYAN said in a statement on October 14.

The exchange comes as ICI continues its investigation into billions of pesos worth of allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects, many of which remain incomplete or unaccounted for.

While Azurin called for unity and due process, BAYAN insisted that anger over corruption is justified — especially for communities left devastated by floods allegedly caused by unimplemented or substandard government projects.

15/10/2025

Mayor Vico Sotto: “Enough is enough” — vows crackdown on corruption in Pasig barangays

PASIG CITY — Mayor Vico Sotto on Tuesday declared that his administration will now extend its anti-corruption campaign beyond City Hall and into the barangay level, warning that “old and corrupt practices” in local governance will no longer be tolerated.

“Enough is enough. Since 2019, we’ve fought for better governance by focusing on the City Government. Now, in 2025, we will take that fight to the Barangay Government,” Sotto said during his State of the City Address 2025.

The mayor revealed that administrative cases have already been initiated against a number of barangays, with criminal complaints currently being prepared.

Sotto also addressed reports that some barangay officials were boasting about being “protected” by a Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner, saying his administration “will not be intimidated.”

> “Even if some boast that they have a COA Commissioner as their protector, we will not back down,” Sotto declared. “This fight continues—until the very end.”

The statement drew loud applause from attendees, many of whom interpreted it as a strong message to entrenched local political networks.

Observers noted that this marks a new phase in Sotto’s reform campaign, which began when he first won the mayoralty in 2019 on a platform of transparency, good governance, and accountability.

13/10/2025

𝐀𝐂𝐓-𝐍𝐂𝐑: 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭—𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬, 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐥

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)-NCR Union notes the Department of Health's denial of an influenza outbreak in Metro Manila and its clarification that class suspensions are related to earthquake preparedness drills.

Pero para sa amin sa ACT-NCR Union at sa mga g**o, influenza man yan o lindol, ang "go-to solution" na naman ng gobyerno ay suspension ng classes—indikasyon ito ng kapabayaan niya sa sektor ng edukasyon.

Whether it's a health crisis or disaster preparedness, the government's default response remains the same: suspend classes. This band-aid approach does nothing to address the systemic problems that make our schools vulnerable in the first place.

We need long-term solutions:
Adequate budget for additional climate-resilient classrooms that can withstand earthquakes and provide proper ventilation against disease transmission; more teachers and personnel to achieve proper class sizes; functional laboratories and health personnel in every school.

At syempre, tanggalin na lahat ng pork barrel sa 2026 budget at ilipat ito sa edukasyon.

Our students and teachers deserve schools that are safe, healthy, and prepared—not just reactive suspensions that highlight government failure.

13/10/2025

13/10/2025

Mon Ilagan Appointed as New PCO Undersecretary, Replaces Atty. Claire Castro

MANILA — Veteran broadcaster and former Cainta Mayor Mon Ilagan has been appointed as the new Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), replacing Atty. Claire Castro.

The PCO confirmed Ilagan’s appointment on Monday, citing his “extensive experience in public communication and local governance” as key factors behind the decision.

Before joining the national government, Ilagan served as mayor of Cainta, Rizal, and later became known as a communication and media training consultant, frequently engaging with local government units and private institutions.

Atty. Castro, who previously held the post, is expected to return to legal and media work following her stint at the PCO.

Ilagan’s entry is seen as part of the administration’s effort to “strengthen strategic messaging and public engagement” amid ongoing political and infrastructure issues in the country.

No further details were immediately available regarding the circumstances of Castro’s replacement.

13/10/2025

𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐩, 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 - 𝐏𝐀𝐇𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐆

Manila, Philippines, 13 October 2025 – The PAHAYAG 2025 Third Quarter survey shows a significant rise in anti-administration sentiment, driven by declining confidence in national leadership, governance, and the economy.

Anti-Administration Sentiment Rises; Pro-Administration Support Declines

Voters expressing anti-administration sentiment surges (27% in Q3 2024 to 43% in Q3 2025), while support for the Marcos administration declines sharply (30% to 18%) over the same period.

The rise in anti-administration views is strongest in the Visayas (53%) and Mindanao (52%)—traditionally Duterte strongholds. Meanwhile, North-Central Luzon (25%) sustains much of the remaining pro-administration sentiment, and South Luzon (46%) voters are increasingly neutral, split between support and opposition.

In contrast, pro-opposition sentiment remains steady at 25%, but anti-opposition views rises (25% to 29%), while neutrality toward the opposition drops (51% to 46%).

Public Outlook on National Situation and Economy Weakens

Filipinos’ views of the country’s current condition have deteriorated, with the share describing it as “weak” (35% to 45%), while those calling it “strong” decline (30% to 27%). Similarly, those who believe the country is moving in the wrong direction jumps (30% to 43%), while those who believe on the right track have declined (40% to 33%).

Optimism about the national economy also drops markedly—from 43% to 34%—as those expecting economic conditions to worsen grow (28% to 40%). Confidence in household financial prospects is slightly decreased (53% to 50%), with pessimism inching up (17% to 19%).

Optimism regarding the country's state has decreased, particularly in North-Central Luzon and South Luzon. Similarly, confidence in the nation's direction and economic outlook has declined across all regions. However, household financial outlooks have remained relatively stable, with only South Luzon and the Visayas experiencing a downturn.

Rising Negative Sentiment Toward End-2025

As the country heads into Q4 2025, negative sentiment about the country’s leadership direction has risen (70%, from 58%) in the previous quarter—the highest in four years. Notably, only 2 in 10 voters express optimism and hope, while another 2 in 10 feel either hopelessness or anger, reflecting growing disillusionment among the public.

PQ3-2025 is an independent, non-commissioned nationwide purposive sampling survey conducted from September 27 to 30, 2025, comprising 1,500 respondents who are registered Filipino voters, randomly selected from the market research panel of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with global operations and a regional office in Singapore.