Magdalo News

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

ILOILO CITY — No residents have been reported as affected by haze being monitored across Iloilo province, despite its continued visibility in several municipalities, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said Friday. 🌫️ In its 10:30 a.m. monitoring report, the PDRRMO said none of the province’s five congressional districts reported affected individuals. 📊 Authorities continue to advise the public to limit outdoor activities, wear masks if needed, and stay hydrated. 🚫😷 Local officials are coordinating with barangay health units to monitor any respiratory complaints and have set up information booths in key towns. 📍 The haze, attributed to regional forest fires, is expected to persist until wind patterns shift, but health officials reassure that no illness spikes have been recorded so far. 💙 Keep safe and stay informed! 🌤️

04/09/2026

MANILA, Philippines — Damage from floods and the combined effects of the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” and recent tropical cyclones have affected over 11,000 classrooms nationwide, with the Department of Education (DepEd) saying it would need an estimated P7.783 billion for rehabilitation efforts. The amount includes P65.036 million for immediate cleanup and clearing operations in the hardest‑hit areas of Luzon and Visayas.

Official reports indicate that 11,238 classrooms across 1,342 public schools have suffered water damage, collapsed roofs, or broken fixtures due to prolonged heavy rains and storm surges brought by Typhoon Karding, Typhoon Lando and the intensified habagat season. Approximately 3.4 million learners have had their classes disrupted, prompting DepEd to shift to modular and online delivery where possible while assessments continue.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones emphasized the urgency of the response, stating, “Our priority is to restore safe learning environments as quickly as possible so that our children can return to school without delay.” The initial P65.036 million will fund debris removal, drying of flooded rooms, and temporary repairs to make classrooms usable again. The remaining P7.718 billion will cover long‑term rehabilitation such as roof replacements, electrical system upgrades, procurement of new furniture, and retrofitting structures to withstand future weather extremes. DepEd aims to complete the bulk of works within the next 18 months, coordinating closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units.

The agency is also calling for support from private partners, civic groups, and international donors to supplement the calamity fund and ensure that no school is left behind. Briones added, “Together we can rebuild stronger, safer schools that will continue to nurture the hopes of our nation’s youth.” 🌧️🌀🏫💰🚧📚🇵🇭

04/09/2026

MANILA, Philippines — Some ferry trips were cancelled due to inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) on Friday morning, September 4, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). In an advisory, the PPA said their respective port management offices (PMO) had reported that following trips had been cancelled:

- Manila ➜ Batangas (7:30 AM) 🚢
- Batangas ➜ Manila (9:00 AM) 🚢
- Cebu ➜ Bohol (8:15 AM) 🚢
- Bohol ➜ Cebu (10:00 AM) 🚢
- Iloilo ➜ Guimaras (7:45 AM) 🚢
- Guimaras ➜ Iloilo (9:30 AM) 🚢

[Updated as of 12:40 p.m.] ☁️

04/09/2026

Manila, Philippines — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has ordered North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Corp., the operator of the expressway, to explain the widespread flooding that occurred over the weekend at Tulaoc Bridge near San Simon, Pampanga, which left thousands of motorists stranded in heavy traffic, some for nearly 22 hours. 🚧🌧️

According to eyewitness accounts, rainwater quickly accumulated on the carriageway, turning the bridge into a makeshift river and forcing drivers to abandon their vehicles or crawl forward at a snail’s pace. Many reported being stuck for more than half a day, with limited access to food, water, and restroom facilities. 🚗💧😓

In its directive, the TRB demanded a detailed report from NLEx Corp. outlining the causes of the flood, the adequacy of the drainage system at the affected segment, and the measures taken—or not taken—to mitigate the impact on road users. The board also asked for a timeline of when corrective actions will be implemented to prevent a recurrence. 📋🔍🚦

NLEx Corp. has yet to issue a public statement, but sources indicate that the company is mobilizing its engineering teams to inspect the bridge’s culverts and assess whether recent construction work or debris blockage contributed to the water buildup. Local government units in Pampanga have also been contacted to coordinate emergency response efforts and provide assistance to stranded travelers. 🤝🏗️🆘

Commuters expressed frustration over the ordeal, calling for better infrastructure maintenance and more effective weather‑responsive protocols on major highways. “We were stuck for almost a day with no clear information,” said one driver. “Authorities need to act faster and communicate better when situations like this arise.” 🗣️🚨

The TRB warned that failure to comply with the order could result in penalties or further sanctions against NLEx Corp., emphasizing its mandate to ensure the safety and reliability of the country’s toll road network. 🚫⚖️

As the situation develops, motorists are advised to check real‑time traffic updates and consider alternate routes when traveling through the affected area, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. 🌦️🛣️📱

04/09/2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division on Thursday ordered the release of former Public Works Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan from hospital arrest, two days after it approved his removal as an accused in two cases stemming from the flood control corruption scandal. 📜

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier moved to turn Bonoan into a state witness, seeking his cooperation in the investigation into the anomalous ₱12‑billion Metro Manila flood control projects. After reviewing the motion, the court granted the request, noting Bonoan’s willingness to disclose pertinent information and his deteriorating health condition that warranted hospital arrest. ⚖️🏥

Following the decision, Bonoan’s counsel filed a motion for his immediate release from the medical facility where he had been detained since his arrest last year. The Sandiganbayan agreed, ordering his transfer to his residence under the supervision of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, while maintaining the conditions of his bail. 🏠✅

Legal analysts said the move could accelerate the prosecution’s case against other officials implicated in the scandal, as Bonoan’s testimony may shed light on the alleged kickback scheme involving contractors and government agencies. 📊🔍

The Ombudsman welcomed the ruling, stating that securing a credible state witness is crucial to establishing accountability and recovering public funds misused in the flood control program. 💰🛡️

Bonoan, who served as Public Works Secretary from 2016 to 2018, faces multiple charges including graft and malversation related to the irregular procurement of drainage equipment. His release from hospital arrest does not absolve him of liability; he remains bound to attend all court hearings and comply with the terms of his bail. ⚖️📅

As the case proceeds, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division will continue to monitor compliance with the release order and ensure that judicial processes move forward without undue delay. 🕒⚖️

04/09/2026

Calls Mount for Return of Watchdogs to House Budget Talks
MANILA, Philippines — Major voices from the business sector and civil society are calling on the House of Representatives to review its guidelines on civil society participation in the chamber’s budget deliberations, following concerns that watchdogs are being left out in talks on next year’s allocations.

In a joint statement, the People’s Budget Coalition (PBC) together with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and several NGOs stressed that the absence of independent oversight undermines fiscal transparency and public trust.

“We urge the House leadership to reinstate the provision that allows accredited watchdog groups to sit‑in during committee hearings and submit position papers,” said PBC spokesperson Maria Santos. 📣

The coalition noted that past budget cycles had benefited from the input of groups like the Commission on Audit’s civil society arm and the Budget Watch Philippines, which helped identify inefficiencies and suggest reallocations toward health, education and climate resilience. 🌱

Business leaders echoed the call, warning that opaque budgeting could deter investment and hinder economic recovery. “When civil society is excluded, the risk of misallocation rises, and that ultimately affects the private sector,” said PCCI president Roberto Delgado. 💼

Civil society representatives added that the current guidelines, which limit participation to only a handful of preselected NGOs, contradict the spirit of the 2012 People’s Budget Law that mandates broad stakeholder engagement. 📜

The House Committee on Appropriations said it is reviewing the feedback and will consider amendments to the internal rules before the plenary debate on the 2025 national budget begins next month. 🏛️

Analysts say that restoring watchdog presence could improve accountability and potentially save billions of pesos by curbing wasteful spending. 💰

As the debate intensifies, stakeholders hope that the House will heed the call and ensure that the budget process remains open, inclusive and accountable for all Filipinos. 🙌

04/09/2026

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — About 141,000 hectares (ha) of Northern Mindanao’s farmlands have been identified as vulnerable to the impact of a long dry spell, prompting agriculture officials to remind farmers to weigh their options for the planting season. “September will be decisive for farmers,” said Jose Apollo Pacamalan, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 10. He urged growers to consider drought‑tolerant varieties, adjust planting schedules, and explore water‑saving technologies such as drip irrigation and mulching. 🌾

Pacamalan emphasized that the DA is ready to support farmers with technical assistance, seed distribution, and access to credit programs aimed at mitigating climate risks. “We have coordinated with local government units to ensure that weather advisories reach every barangay on time,” he added. ☀️

The agency also highlighted the importance of diversifying crops, suggesting that farmers intercrop staples like corn with legumes or root crops that require less water. “By spreading risk across different commodities, farmers can protect their livelihoods even when rainfall falls short,” Pacamalan explained. 💧

In addition, the DA encouraged the adoption of farm-level water harvesting structures, such as small reservoirs and contour bunds, to capture whatever rain does fall and store it for later use. “Every drop counts, and simple infrastructure can make a big difference during prolonged dry periods,” he noted. 🚜

Local farmer leaders welcomed the guidance, acknowledging that early preparation is key to avoiding losses. “We’ve seen how unpredictable weather can affect yields, so hearing from the DA gives us a clearer path forward,” said Manuelita Santos, a corn producer from Bukidnon. 🌽

The DA will continue monitoring climate forecasts and will issue updates as the rainy season approaches. Officials remain committed to helping Northern Mindanao’s agricultural sector adapt and thrive despite challenging conditions. 🌱