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10/09/2026

: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla is calling for major reforms in local governance, including lowering the age bracket for Sangguniang Kabataan officials and limiting some regulatory powers of barangay chairpersons.

At a Senate budget hearing, Remulla proposed returning the SK age range to 15 to 19 years old, arguing that many older youth officials become inactive after taking jobs, getting married or moving elsewhere for studies. He also raised concerns over the fiscal autonomy of SK councils, saying weak oversight has created opportunities for misuse of funds.

Remulla also urged lawmakers to curb barangay powers over permits for telecommunications infrastructure, alleging that some barangay officials delay or block cell tower projects and, in some cases, demand money in exchange for approvals. | Joseph Tan



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Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla called for major structural changes to local governance on Thursday, urging lawmakers to lower the age limit for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and restrict the regulatory powers of barangay chairpersons.

10/09/2026

: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned that China is unlikely to change its behavior in the West Philippine Sea, saying the Philippines and its partners must instead strengthen how they respond to Beijing’s actions.

“I think we will see more of the same. We should not expect any change in their behavior; what we should change is the way we react,” Teodoro said at the 2nd Manila Strategy Forum. He also accused the international community of “coddling” China, saying Beijing has abused diplomatic courtesies shown to it.

Teodoro said the Philippines must combine stronger defense capabilities with deeper partnerships with like-minded countries, while continuing to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award and international law in resolving maritime disputes.



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Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. warned Thursday that China’s aggressive stance in the maritime domain is bound to persist, urging the Philippines and its international allies to overhaul their strategic responses rather than await a change in Beijing’s conduct.

10/09/2026

: IV OF SPADES has released “Isang Pag-ibig,” a song written nearly a decade ago that now arrives during a new chapter for the reunited band.

Released via Sony Music Entertainment, the track follows the late-2025 reunion of Unique Salonga, Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga and Badjao de Castro. Built around jangling guitars and a simple three-chord progression, the song centers on loving someone fully without being loved back in return.

The release comes amid renewed momentum for the group, including its Andalucia Tour 2026, upcoming performances in the United States and Canada, and strong streaming and chart activity. “Isang Pag-ibig” is now available on digital platforms worldwide, with its music video also out on the band’s YouTube channel. | May Flores



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Nearly a decade after it was written, IV OF SPADES has finally released “Isang Pag-ibig,” a song that arrives at a very different point in the band’s story.

10/09/2026

VP SARA’S PERJURY COMPLAINT VS. ALLEGED FORMER AIDE DISMISSED

The Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the perjury complaint filed by Vice President Sara Duterte against her alleged former aide Ramil Madriaga due to “insufficiency of evidence.”

In a 19-page resolution released Thursday, prosecutors junked the complaint filed by Duterte on August 17, 2026.

Madriaga’s lawyer Mark Anthony Te welcomed the ruling, saying “no amount of publicity can substitute for proof” and stressing that “power does not have the final word.”

10/09/2026

: Global customer service software provider Pleased.com has opened a new office at Three/NEO in Bonifacio Global City, with plans to hire more than 100 Filipino tech professionals over the next year.

Founder Jonathan Sterling said the company wants to create high-quality engineering jobs in the Philippines so local talent can build global tech careers without having to work abroad. Pleased.com has already hired 10 Filipino software engineers and aims to grow its local engineering team to 50 by the end of 2026.

The company develops customer service tools covering live chat, email ticketing and phone support, while also using artificial intelligence to automate some inquiries and route more complex concerns to human agents.



READ THE FULL STORY: https://screencap.com.ph/tech-enterprise-pleased-com-opens-bgc-hub-eyes-100-local-tech-hires/

Global customer service software provider Pleased.com has launched its brand-new office at the Three/NEO Building in Bonifacio Global City, aiming to employ over 100 Filipino tech professionals over the next year.

10/09/2026

: Senator Risa Hontiveros said she has nothing to fear after the camp of detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy filed libel and cyber libel complaints against her and Reps. Percy Cendana and Leila de Lima.

“Kung talagang naniniwala si Quiboloy sa hustisya at sa Diyos, harapin niya ang mga paratang laban sa kanya. Managot na lang siya imbes na baligtarin ang usapan,” Hontiveros said, maintaining that the focus should remain on the allegations against Quiboloy and the people who have come forward against him.

Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the complaints stemmed from remarks made by the three lawmakers after reports emerged that the United States had submitted an extradition request for the KOJC leader, arguing that the statements were defamatory while cases against him remain unresolved. | Joseph Tan



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Senator Risa Hontiveros declared she has nothing to fear after the legal team of detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy filed libel and cyber libel complaints against her and two other lawmakers on Thursday.

10/09/2026

: The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology formally took custody of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday afternoon following his arrest earlier this week.

BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said the PNP-CIDG turned over Romualdez’s custody at 4:15 p.m. at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, pursuant to a commitment order issued by the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division.

“Representative Romualdez will be accorded the same treatment and privileges as other persons deprived of liberty, with no VIP or special treatment,” Bustinera said.

He added that Romualdez will be transferred to the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory in Payatas once ordered by the court. | Peter Fernandez



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The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) formally assumed custody of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday afternoon following his arrest earlier this week.

10/09/2026

“MANAGOT SIYA SA MGA KASONG KINAKAHARAP NIYA”

Senator Risa Hontiveros said Apollo Quiboloy should confront the allegations and cases against him instead of portraying himself as the victim.

“Managot siya sa mga kasong kinakaharap niya sa halip na baliktarin ang usapan at gawing siya ang biktima,” Hontiveros said, adding that she has nothing to fear and that the focus should remain on the allegations, evidence and due process.

Hontiveros also stressed the need to protect alleged victims and those who have come forward, saying she will continue to stand with them as they seek justice.

Courtesy: Joseph Tan

10/09/2026

SANDIGANBAYAN EYES VERDICTS IN LAWMAKERS’ FLOOD CONTROL CASES BEFORE YEAR-END

The Sandiganbayan expects to resolve some of the initial cases filed against lawmakers over alleged anomalous flood control projects before the end of 2026.

Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg told a Senate budget hearing that the Office of the Ombudsman has filed 26 flood control cases involving senators and congressmen, with the earliest cases—filed on November 18, 2025—already reaching the defense stage.

“If we follow the Speedy Trial Act... we will see the conviction within the year po, or acquittal within the year,” Econg said, clarifying that the disposition could result in either conviction or acquittal. | Joseph Tan



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10/09/2026

MARCOS LEADS OATH-TAKING OF NEWLY APPOINTED BJMP OFFICIALS

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the oath-taking of newly appointed Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officials Jail Chief Superintendents Andrew W. Tauli, Jhon D. Montero and Rill F. Sonon at Malacañan Palace.

During the ceremony, BJMP Jail Director Efren A. Nemeño presented Marcos with a painting created by persons deprived of liberty, highlighting the bureau’s rehabilitation and skills-development programs aimed at supporting their successful reintegration into society. | Jade Reyes

Courtesy: PCO