TutokBalita

19/11/2025

OVP Holds Simultaneous Nationwide Pop-Up Exhibits

As part of the 90th Anniversary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), simultaneous launches of the OVP 90th Anniversary Pop-Up Exhibit are being held across key locations nationwide. Anchored on the theme “Duty, Continuity, and Legacy,” the celebration highlights the Office’s enduring commitment to public service, the continuity of good governance, and the institutional legacy it has built over nine decades.

The pop-up exhibits—open to the public and free of charge—feature the programs, contributions, and legacies of former Vice Presidents alongside the initiatives of the current Vice President of the Philippines. Visitors across the country may view the exhibits at the following locations and schedules:

Cagayan Valley

• Cauayan Campus, Isabela State University, Cauayan City
• November 18–30, 2025

Panay & Negros

• Atrium, Robinsons Bacolod, Bacolod City
• November 24–30, 2025

Southern Mindanao

• SM City Ecoland, Davao City
• November 17–27, 2025

Western Mindanao

• 2F KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City (November 17–21, 2025)
• City Mall Tetuan, Zamboanga City (November 22–30, 2025)

Caraga

• 2F Robinsons Butuan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
• November 17–30, 2025

The ongoing pop-up exhibits bring the OVP’s story closer to communities nationwide, reinforcing the Office’s mission to provide accessible and people-centered service beyond the National Capital Region.

18/11/2025

Pulong Seeks Probe Into Alleged ₱100-B Budget Insertions, Files Mandatory Hair Follicle Drug Testing Bill

Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte has filed two major legislative measures on Tuesday—one calling for an urgent congressional inquiry into the alleged ₱100-billion budget insertions in the 2025 national budget, and another mandating random hair follicle drug testing for all elected and appointed government officials.

Both measures were electronically filed before noon at the House of Representatives.

Under House Resolution No. 488, Duterte urged the appropriate House committee to immediately investigate former Rep. Zaldy Co’s claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez allegedly pushed for the inclusion of ₱100 billion worth of projects during the 2025 Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations.

The resolution cites several grave allegations made by Co in online video recordings, including:
• that the President allegedly ordered the inclusion of the ₱100-billion line items,
• that a supposed 25-percent “kickback” was demanded in connection with the insertion,
• and that money inside suitcases was allegedly delivered to high-ranking officials.

Duterte emphasized in the resolution that the “scale and detail” of the allegations necessitate a thorough legislative inquiry, adding that the claims raise concerns about transparency, public trust, and possible undue influence in the budget process.

The measure directs the committee to invite Co, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), representatives from the Office of the President, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and other relevant agencies to clarify or dispute the allegations and provide evidence.

On the same day, Duterte filed House Bill No. 6105, which seeks to require all elected and appointed public officials to undergo random drug testing using hair follicle analysis as the primary screening method.

The bill proposes amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165) to include hair follicle testing, which the explanatory note describes as more effective in detecting unreported and long-term drug use.

The measure would cover:
• national and local elected officials,
• appointed officials in government agencies and GOCCs,
• and candidates for public office.

Drug testing costs for officials would be charged to their respective agencies under the General Appropriations Act.

Duterte said in the explanatory note that expanding mandatory drug testing is essential due to the large gap between the estimated number of drug users nationwide and those reported or apprehended.

He stressed that public servants must be the first to uphold accountability and integrity.

The bill underscores that mandatory random drug testing for public officials aligns with equal protection principles and strengthens the government’s campaign to identify and address drug abuse among individuals in positions of responsibility.

The filing of both the resolution and the drug-testing bill comes in the wake of political turbulence triggered by Co’s allegations and recent public statements by Senator Imee Marcos concerning her brother, the President.

Duterte, who has long advocated for mandatory drug testing for officials, positioned the bill as a tool to reinforce public trust and ensure that individuals entrusted with public office live up to the standards of honesty and integrity mandated by the Constitution.

Both measures are expected to draw significant attention as Congress prepares for debates on the budget controversy and the broader implications of public accountability.

17/11/2025

PAHAYAG NG PANGALAWANG PANGULO

Mga kababayan,

Nauunawaan ko ang galit at pagkadismaya ninyo. Nauunawaan ko ang galit ng taong bayan sapagkat sa nakalipas na ilang buwan, bago pa man sumabog ang issue sa flood control, madalas na akong nakikipag-usap at nakikinig sa mga hinaing ng ating mga kababayang Overseas Filipinos ukol sa transparency, accountability, peace, at security.

Nauunawaan ko ang galit ng taong bayan dahil nasaksihan ko mismo kung paano minanipula ng House of Representatives ang budget ng Department of Education. Sa halip na sundin ang listahan ng DepEd upang matugunan ang malalang kakulangan sa classrooms, mistulang ginawang pork barrel ang pondong nakalaan para sa kabataang Pilipino at pinaghati-hatian ng mga kongresistang malapit sa mga makapangyarihan.

Pinili kong huwag sumali sa panggagago sa taong bayan. Sa aking pagbitiw bilang kalihim ng DepEd, ininda ko ang kaliwat-kanan na atake, kasama na ang impeachment, para lamang mapagtakpan nila ang katiwalian sa 2025 budget.

The President now faces a profound crisis of confidence, especially in the way these corruption investigations are being handled, which appear to lack both direction and resolve. We also seek clear answers on how a budget that deprived Filipinos of billions and billions of pesos was approved under his watch.

Kaisa ako ng milyong-milyong Pilipinong nadismaya at nandidiri sa pamahalaang lulong sa insekuridad at walang kabusugang kasakiman. Ang karapatan nating magsalita at magpahayag ang sandigan ng demokrasya. Dapat itong pakinggan ng pamahalaan. Hindi para isantabi at balewalain lamang. We Filipinos deserve better.

Shukran.

SARA Z. DUTERTE
Vice President of the Philippines

17/11/2025

𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐕𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬f𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢z𝐞𝐧𝐬

Representatives Omar Vincent S. Duterte and Paolo Z. Duterte have filed House Bill No. 5645, seeking to institutionalize the Value-Added Tax Social Transfer (VAST) for Indigent Citizens Program, a permanent and targeted mechanism aimed at easing the tax burden on the country’s poorest households.

Filed electronically on October 21, 2025, the proposed measure, officially titled the “Value-Added Tax Social Transfer (VAST) for Indigent Citizens Act of 2025,”establishes a comprehensive VAT rebate system intended to soften the regressive impact of consumption taxes on low-income families.

Rep. Omar Duterte emphasized that the VAST Program is anchored on the principles of social justice, fairness, and progressive taxation as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.

“We must ensure the tax system works for the poor, not against them. VAT affects every Filipino, but its burden is heaviest on those who have the least. The VAST Program provides direct, targeted relief so that the most vulnerable households are not left behind as the economy grows,” he said.

He added that the measure addresses long-standing gaps in how VAT impacts consumption patterns among poor families.

Rep. Paolo Duterte, for his part, stressed that the proposal is not a typical tax refund, but a strategic, expenditure-side social transfer designed to return a portion of VAT revenues to indigent citizens in the form of cash and non-cash benefits.

“This is not just a refund—it is a targeted social protection tool. By institutionalizing VAST, we are ensuring that VAT revenues help uplift the very people who feel its impact the most. This program will directly support poor and near-poor households and give them the assistance they deserve,” he said.

The authors underscored that the existing VAT refund system benefits sellers and businesses, not poor consumers who shoulder the tax.

They said the proposed VAST Program aims to make taxation more equitable and progressive and reduce the financial strain on poor and near-poor households.

It will also help improve social protection coverage and strengthen the government's commitment to inclusive growth.

14/11/2025

OVP Must Evolve to Meet Modern Demands of Public Service — VP Duterte

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday marked the 90th anniversary of the Office of the Vice President by underscoring the need for the institution to evolve and modernize to meet the changing demands of public service.

Speaking before former presidents Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the families of former vice presidents at the Makati Shangri-La, Duterte said the vice presidency must move toward “stability and permanence” through reforms such as establishing a permanent OVP building, creating an OVP Museum, and pursuing an OVP Charter that will define the office’s mandate and structure.

Duterte also honored her predecessors, noting that their contributions form the foundation of the modern OVP.

The celebration featured the launch of the OVP 90th Anniversary Coffee Table Book and nationwide pop-up exhibits highlighting the evolution of the vice presidency.

The Vice President closed her remarks by saying the OVP’s nine-decade history is a reminder that institutions must continually adapt.

“This anniversary is both a tribute to our past and a commitment to building an office ready for the challenges ahead,” she said.

11/11/2025

Discovery Capital Finance Corp. and Kredit Hero, Inc. Forge Nationwide Alliance to Propel SME Growth

In a major move aimed at accelerating financial inclusion and boosting economic development across the country, Discovery Capital Finance Corporation (DCFC) and innovative fintech leader Kredit Hero, Inc. have officially announced a strategic partnership.

The alliance is designed to dramatically increase the availability of financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and amplify the market visibility of both organizations.

The collaboration fuses the established lending experience of Discovery Capital with the cutting-edge technological agility and extensive reach of Kredit Hero, Inc., promising a streamlined and more accessible financing journey for entrepreneurs nationwide.

A Shared Vision for Nation-BuildingThis partnership transcends traditional business agreements; it is fundamentally geared towards nation-building.

By pooling resources and leveraging distinct strengths, DCFC and Kredit Hero, Inc. aim to empower the SME sector, often referred to as the backbone of the Philippine economy.

Discovery Capital already maintains a strong physical commitment to this mission with six strategically located offices nationwide to efficiently cater to clients’ diverse needs.Diosdado C. Salang Jr., President of Discovery Capital Finance Corp., expressed immense enthusiasm for the future impact of the alliance.

“We are incredibly excited about this partnership with Kredit Hero, Inc. This is about more than generating volume for our balance sheets; it is about extending a crucial lifeline to our entrepreneurs and the communities they serve,” said President Salang.

“Our combined efforts will not only increase our market visibility across the country but, more importantly, will translate directly into palpable assistance for our borrowers, strengthening the community, and supporting the government’s goals in true nation-building.

”Amplifying Access and Inclusion”

The strategic goals of the partnership are twofold: to significantly increase market visibility and to provide enhanced value to clients. The partnership is expected to have a massive impact, particularly in reaching the unbanked and underbanked clients who are often excluded from traditional financial systems.

For SMEs, the partnership means faster access to working capital, equipment loans, and other critical financial products needed for expansion and resilience.

Kredit Hero’s digital platforms will serve as efficient origination and distribution channels, effectively reducing the time it takes for a deserving SME to secure funding from Discovery Capital.

By working together, both firms expect to:

Expand Hybrid Footprint: Leverage DCFC's six existing physical offices and Kredit Hero’s digital reach to service thousands of underserved SMEs across the country.

Target Financial Inclusion: Specifically cater to the unbanked and underbanked, utilizing technology to provide necessary capital where it is most needed.

Improve Borrower Experience: Offer quicker loan application processing and decision-making cycles.

Fuel Local Economies: Inject necessary capital into local businesses, driving job creation and sustained economic activity.

This alliance marks a significant step forward in simplifying the often-complex process of obtaining formal financing, ensuring that high growth potential is never hampered by a lack of capital access

08/11/2025

Ajinomoto Philippines Inspires a New Generation of Changemakers at Davao “Eat Well, Live Well” Youth Summit

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – November 8, 2025 – Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) recently wrapped up its “Eat Well, Live Well” Youth Summit 2025 in Davao City.

The Summit featured insightful discussions and engaging learning activities designed to help secondary students gain a better understanding of nutrition, wellness and sustainability.

Conducted annually for three years now, starting in Manila, and Cebu, this year’s annual summit echoes APC’s commitment to empowering the next generation as agents of positive change.

In collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Summit gathered over 250 highly engaged Junior and Senior High School students from various public and private schools across Region 11.

These future leaders were equipped with practical knowledge and tools that they can leverage to make a positive impact on their communities and environment.

They were also given the opportunity to plan and collaborate on actionable micro-projects that enable them to live out Ajinomoto’s Eat Well, Live Well philosophy featuring the use of Umami to make nutritious meals more delicious, increasing daily vegetable intake, and embracing a zero-waste lifestyle.

‘“Our mission is to contribute to wellness and help people enjoy better lives in the future. We have been investing in youth development as we hope to see the younger generations become champions of a healthy and sustainable future,” APC Group President Mr. Koichi Ozaki said in his Opening Remarks to reinforce the company’s mission. The keynote address, themed “Empowering Youth for Nutritious and Sustainable Futures,” was delivered by Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Regional Director for Region 11 Dr. Rebonfamil Baguio. He emphasized,

“This Summit is a testament that a sustainable program is worth supporting. Thank you to our partners for constantly reminding us that the well-being of the nation starts with the well-being of its people. And that the well-being of the schools begins with the well-being of the learners. So let us eat well, live well, and live long! There is never a substitute for wellness.”The event culminated in a heartfelt Ceremonial Pledge, where all participants vowed to carry forward the lessons learned in the Summit and become vocal advocates for healthier, more eco-conscious lifestyles.

In her closing remarks, Mika Makino, APC Director for Sales, Marketing, and Public Relations, praised the energy and dedication of the Region 11 students. “Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation recognizes the role of the youth in taking positive actions towards the health and environment sustainability crisis in the Philippines. I am truly impressed by your bright and sharp minds, and I can see that the country’s future is in good hands,” Makino concluded.The successful Davao summit underscores Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s continued dedication to its global vision of extending healthy life expectancy and reducing environmental impact by 50% by 2030, through impactful and educational outreach programs.

***
The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 36 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

08/11/2025

02/11/2025

DUTERTE OFFICE DISTRIBUTES FOOD PACKS AND BURGERS IN CEMETERY OUTREACH

Continuing a long-standing tradition started by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Office of First District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte distributed food packs, cash assistance, and burgers to cemetery visitors, caretakers, and workers during the observance of Undas on Sunday, November 2.

Truckloads of orange food packs arrived early in the morning at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Davao City, where the distribution was held around the resting place of the late Vicente Duterte, the former President’s father. The outreach extended to nearby cemeteries and surrounding communities, where thousands of Davaoeños gathered to honor their departed loved ones.

According to organizers, the Duterte office distributed food packs and cash to caretakers, employees, and visiting families, while children in and around the cemetery received free burgers from the team — a gesture that has become a much-awaited part of the annual Kalag-Kalag celebration.

Barangay Captain James Abadilla shared that the yearly initiative continues to bring joy to the community.

“Basta Kalag-Kalag diri sa amo, murag dagsa gyud ang tao kay tinuig ni nga panghatag. Lipay kaayo akong mga constituent. Kaniadto, naa gyud na si PRRD mag-gift giving,” Abadilla said.

For Rowena Abay, a long-time cemetery caretaker, the Duterte family’s gesture has always been something they look forward to.

“Tinuig mana ilang pahalipay panahon sa Kalag-Kalag, mao na mag-atang mi. Makamingaw lang kay wala si Tatay Digong karong tuiga,” she shared.

The activity was organized by the Office of Congressman Paolo Duterte with the help of local volunteers and barangay personnel.

It aimed to continue the tradition of extending kindness, solidarity, and remembrance — values deeply rooted in the Duterte family’s public service.

Aside from food and cash assistance, the team also provided water and ensured the orderly distribution of goods to the thousands who flocked to the cemetery grounds.

The simple act of giving remains a heartfelt reminder of the Duterte family’s continuing connection to the people of Davao, especially during moments of reflection and togetherness.

31/10/2025

27/10/2025

Paolo Duterte slams PCG spokesperson Tarriela:
“I confronted Brawner — the chihuahua barked”

Davao City First District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte on Sunday fired back at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, calling him a “chihuahua” who responded to a statement not even directed at him.

Duterte earlier criticized Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. over remarks on U.S. missile capabilities in the Philippines possibly reaching China, warning that such rhetoric puts Filipino lives at risk.

Instead of Brawner, Duterte said it was Tarriela who publicly responded — prompting a scathing rebuke from the Davao lawmaker.

“I confronted Brawner. It was the chihuahua who barked,” Duterte said in a statement. “Jay Tarriela — a discharged PMA cadet allegedly for cheating — now trying to climb ranks by licking boots and attacking those against the bangag administration.”

Duterte accused Tarriela of using the PCG as a platform for personal advancement.

“Stop using the Coast Guard to chase your personal ambitions. If you want respect, earn it first. Not by barking. Not by brown-nosing. Not by dragging your institution into your insecurity,” he added. “Honor is earned — and you’ve earned none.”

The Davao congressman clarified that his earlier comments on Brawner’s statements were not about geopolitics, but about safeguarding the lives of Filipinos who, he said, would be the first casualties should tensions escalate.

“My statement was plain and simple, even those not in the Coast Guard could understand it. My statement was never about China or any nation but one that is borne out of concern for Filipino lives,” Duterte stressed.

“A matter which this government has failed miserably to protect both locally and internationally,” he added.

Duterte maintained that “statements which provoke rather than avoid military confrontation is never a good idea especially if a nation cannot afford one,” cautioning officials against “showboating” in the West Philippine Sea while neglecting domestic defense realities.

Tarriela has yet to issue a response as of press time.

24/10/2025

MinDA Chair, DBM Sec to Speak at 2025 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit

Two senior Philippine officials — Leo Tereso Magno, Chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) — will speak at the upcoming 2025 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on 24 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

Magno is slated to participate in the afternoon plenary titled “A moment to lead: ASEAN 2026 and the Philippines”, where he will join Pangandaman and Frederic DyBuncio — CEO of SM Investments Corporation — to spotlight the Philippines’ role as incoming Chair of ASEAN in 2026.

Pangandaman also appears earlier in the event’s speaker list, underscoring the government’s interest in framing budget and development policy within the broader regional inclusive-growth agenda.

They will join an international line-up of luminaries including human-rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, and Jon Huntsman Jr. of Mastercard, among others.

Magno assumed the role of MinDA Chair in May 2024, bringing to the position extensive experience in public service and institutional leadership.

Under his leadership, MinDA has focused on inclusive growth and economic development for Mindanao, the Philippines’ southern island region.

His speaking role at the ASEAN-wide summit underscores the Philippines’ intent to position Mindanao not only as a domestic development priority but as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia’s inclusive growth agenda.

The 2025 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit brings together “purpose-driven leaders on inclusive growth” and highlights themes like sustainable/resilient growth, public-private partnerships, digital transformation, and SME innovation.

For Magno and MinDA, this is an opportunity to showcase Mindanao’s potential within those frameworks — from infrastructure-led growth to integrated water-energy-food strategies.

For example, MinDA recently reaffirmed partnerships with UN agencies to deliver clean-water, energy access and resilience programs in Mindanao.

Alongside Magno, several prominent global figures will speak, lending heft to the summit’s ambition:
• Amal Clooney — human rights lawyer and co-founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
• Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara — Executive Director & CEO of Temasek (Singapore).
• Jon Huntsman Jr. — Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard.

Their presence signals a strong push toward embedding inclusive growth in cross-sector collaboration and governance frameworks across ASEAN.

By joining this summit, Magno elevates Mindanao’s development narrative onto an ASEAN-regional platform, enabling exposure to regional best practices, investment flows and multi-stakeholder ecosystem building.

The summit also offers a venue to link local Philippine priorities — such as infrastructure, clean-energy and SME-driven growth — with broader ASEAN integration and inclusive development frameworks.

Magno’s speaking engagement may open doors for further international cooperation, potential funding or investment channels, and deeper integration of Mindanao’s development plans into regional strategies.

For stakeholders across the Philippines and ASEAN, this signals momentum toward aligning local growth agendas with a broader inclusive growth vision.