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𝗯𝘂𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀, Manila (2026)

02/09/2026

Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for an anti-political dynasty law that would limit the ability of close relatives to hold or run for government positions at the same time.

Hontiveros said the proposal is meant to open more opportunities for Filipinos who want to serve in government but do not come from established political families. Under the Senate version being discussed, restrictions would cover relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, while political families could also face restrictions involving the party-list system.

According to Hontiveros, the proposed restrictions could affect around 30% of elected positions nationwide if the measure becomes law. She described this as a significant change that could begin reducing the concentration of political power among a limited number of families.

Separate proposals have also sought tighter rules involving government contractors and the party-list system to address possible conflicts of interest. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed support for continuing public consultations on an anti-political dynasty measure.

Political families are not automatically proof of bad governance, and being outside a dynasty does not automatically make someone a good leader. But elections become stronger when more qualified Filipinos have a fair chance to compete. In the end, public office should be earned through competence, integrity, and public trust—not simply inherited through a family name.

01/09/2026

Senator-judge Tito Sotto clarified the difference between an alias and a fictitious name during the 20th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Sotto cited Republic Act No. 6085, the law regulating the use of aliases in the Philippines. The law generally restricts people from using names different from their registered names, while allowing pseudonyms in certain areas such as literature, movies, television, radio, entertainment, and athletic events where such practice is normally accepted.

According to Sotto, an alias still refers to an actual person. “If there is a person behind the alias, then it is an alias. If there is no person behind the name, it is a fictitious name or a fake name,” he told the impeachment court.

His clarification followed earlier discussions involving prosecution lawyer Mae Divinagracia and Senator-judge Robin Padilla over the use of aliases. The issue has become relevant as the impeachment proceedings examine names appearing in acknowledgment receipts connected to confidential fund expenditures.

The existence or identity of the individuals behind any questioned names still has to be established through evidence presented before the impeachment court.

When public funds are involved, even seemingly small details such as names and signatures can matter. The fairest approach is to examine every document carefully, allow both sides to explain their evidence, and let facts and due process determine the truth.

31/08/2026

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended the decision of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila to give President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. an honorary Doctor of Laws degree after Kabataan Rep. Renee Co criticized the recognition.

Co argued that giving Marcos the honorary degree was inappropriate and said it could be seen as an insult to lawyers who spent years studying law. She also raised concerns about controversies surrounding the administration.

Castro rejected the comparison, explaining that a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa is an honorary recognition and does not mean that Marcos completed a law degree or became a lawyer. She said honorary degrees are normally given to people recognized for leadership, public service, or significant contributions to society.

PLM awarded Marcos the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa during its 58th commencement exercises. According to the university’s Board of Regents, the recognition was based on what it described as his contributions to national development, education, social equity, and the rule of law.

However, the decision has also drawn criticism from some students and members of the academic community, showing that the honorary degree remains a subject of public debate.

Honorary awards can carry different meanings for different people. In a democracy, institutions have the right to recognize individuals, while citizens also have the right to question those decisions. What matters is that disagreements remain based on facts, respectful discussion, and accountability.

31/08/2026

Several top government officials joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the National Heroes Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Among those present were Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. Military officials, uniformed personnel, civil servants, scouts, and other guests also attended the ceremony.

The program included the raising of the Philippine flag and the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Marcos served as the guest of honor and delivered a message honoring Filipinos who sacrificed for the country’s freedom and development.

In his speech, the President also recognized modern-day heroes, including soldiers, emergency responders, teachers, healthcare workers, overseas Filipinos, parents, and ordinary citizens who serve their communities.

National Heroes Day reminds us that building a better country is not the responsibility of one leader or one institution alone. The spirit of heroism continues whenever Filipinos choose service, courage, honesty, and unity in their everyday lives.

30/08/2026

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and several former Department of Public Works and Highways officials over an alleged ₱77-million “ghost” flood control project in Balagtas, Bulacan.

The case involves a riverbank protection structure along the Balagtas River in Barangay San Juan. According to the Ombudsman, records showed that the project supposedly started in February 2025 and was declared 100% completed in May 2025. However, investigators later inspected the site and said the project was non-existent.

Several DPWH personnel and two members of Co’s staff, John Paul Estrada and Mark Tecsay, were included in the indictment. Former district engineer Henry Alcantara was identified in the Ombudsman investigation but was not included in the filed information after being admitted to the government’s Witness Protection Program.

The Ombudsman alleged that documents were approved and payments were released despite irregularities surrounding the project. These remain accusations that must be proven in court, and the filing of charges does not by itself mean that the accused are guilty.

Flood control projects are paid for with public money and are meant to protect lives and communities. When questions arise about how these funds were spent, a fair and thorough investigation is necessary. Accountability should apply to everyone, while every accused person must also be given due process under the law.

30/08/2026

Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer “Jenny” Barzaga has won the special election for Cavite’s 4th Congressional District, taking the seat previously held by her son, former Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga.

According to election officials and multiple reports, Jenny Barzaga received 201,893 votes in the August 29 special election. Around 258,361 of the district’s 447,387 registered voters participated, representing a voter turnout of about 57.75%.

The special election was held after Kiko Barzaga was expelled from the House of Representatives on June 2, 2026. The House cited disorderly conduct, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violations of parliamentary and House rules in its decision.

Jenny Barzaga defeated four other candidates and was formally proclaimed as the district’s new representative early Sunday morning. Her victory keeps the congressional seat within the Barzaga family.

Elections give citizens the power to decide who will represent them. Whatever the political name or family involved, elected officials ultimately have the responsibility to prove through their work that the trust given by voters was deserved.

29/08/2026

Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto shared a heartfelt birthday message for his father, Senator Tito Sotto, describing him as his role model and the “best Dad ever.”

In his tribute, Gian said he hopes to follow his father’s example as a husband, father and man of faith. He expressed gratitude for the lessons and values he learned while growing up with him. Tito Sotto turned 78 on August 24.

Gian has spoken publicly before about how his father influenced his approach to family life and public service. He has said that Tito taught him to value hard work, honesty and service to others.

Beyond politics and achievements, some of the strongest legacies are built quietly at home. Being someone your children genuinely look up to is a reminder that character, love and example can leave an impact far greater than any position or title.

29/08/2026

A senior Office of the Vice President official testified that Vice President Sara Duterte and former security chief Col. Raymund Dante Lachica were the people who knew how the OVP’s confidential fund activities were implemented.

OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio told the impeachment court that he had no personal knowledge of where the confidential funds actually went or how they were spent. He also confirmed that then-OVP Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez did not personally know the details of the implementation.

When questioned by senator-judges, Ortonio said Duterte, as head of the agency, knew about and authorized the confidential activities, while Lachica knew how the operations were implemented as the security officer. He also said documents submitted to government auditors carried Duterte’s final approval.

The testimony follows earlier statements from former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, who said she turned over ₱125 million in cash to Lachica upon Duterte’s instruction. Acosta said she did not personally witness how the money was distributed to the supposed recipients and relied on documents later provided to her.

However, these are testimonies and arguments being examined in an ongoing impeachment trial. The impeachment court has not yet made a final finding that the confidential funds were misused or that any law was violated. Both the prosecution and defense still have the opportunity to present and challenge evidence.

When hundreds of millions in public money are involved, accountability should not depend on assumptions or political loyalty. The public deserves clear records, credible witnesses and evidence that can withstand careful examination before any final judgment is made.

26/08/2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the National Movement of Young Legislators for the 2026–2028 term at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, August 26.

The organization brings together young elected local officials from different parts of the Philippines. Its members include councilors, vice mayors, provincial board members and vice governors, with programs aimed at improving leadership and legislative skills.

During the ceremony, Marcos encouraged the young officials to turn their new mandate into meaningful action for their communities. He emphasized responsible leadership, public service and stronger cooperation between national and local governments.

The group also supports initiatives related to community development, governance training and programs that help young officials become more effective public servants.

Leadership is not measured only by age or position, but by how well a person serves the people. For young officials given the opportunity to lead, integrity, compassion and accountability can turn fresh ideas into lasting improvements for their communities.

19/08/2026

Nag-utos si Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sa mga law enforcement agency na magsagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon sa insidente sa Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School noong Agosto 18.

Nagpaabot din ang Pangulo ng pakikiramay sa mga pamilya at sa buong school community na naapektuhan. Dalawang estudyante ang nasawi sa insidente, habang mayroon ding ibang estudyanteng kinailangang bigyan ng medical assistance matapos ang kaguluhan.

Ayon kay Marcos, kailangang malaman ng mga awtoridad kung paano nangyari ang insidente at kung anong mga hakbang ang maaaring gawin upang maiwasang maulit ang ganitong trahedya. Binigyang-diin niya na ang mga paaralan ay dapat kabilang sa pinakaligtas na lugar para sa mga bata, kung saan sila maaaring matuto at mangarap nang walang takot.

Patuloy ding sinusuri ng mga awtoridad ang school security, access sa armas, at iba pang posibleng salik na may kaugnayan sa pangyayari. Kasabay nito, nananawagan ang mga opisyal sa publiko na iwasang magpakalat ng sensitibo at hindi beripikadong impormasyon habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon.

Ang seguridad sa paaralan ay responsibilidad na kailangang seryosohin ng lahat—pamahalaan, paaralan, pamilya at komunidad. Ang pinakamahalaga ngayon ay malaman ang buong katotohanan, matuto mula sa nangyari, at gumawa ng konkretong hakbang upang mas maprotektahan ang bawat batang pumapasok sa paaralan.

𝗯𝘂𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀

02/09/2026

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