Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, former Chairperson and now Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, expressed guarded optimism over the planned restoration of PhP60 billion to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for next year, while stressing that these funds must be used correctly and exclusively for the benefit of Filipinos’ health. He likewise…
By Ivy Tejano DAVAO CITY – The Senate has recently approved a resolution urging the International Criminal Court to consider placing former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest on humanitarian grounds. Senate Resolution No. 144 was adopted on October 1 with a vote of 15-3, with two abstentions. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” dela…
By Ivy Tejano DAVAO CITY – Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized what he called “selective investigations” into flood-control projects, accusing government agencies of using probes for publicity while sparing other districts. “If the government and independent agencies are truly serious about cleaning up flood-control projects, they should stop using investigations as props…
When a senator of the Republic, sworn to defend the Constitution, suggests that Congress should be abolished or the law bent to suit the whims of the moment, he does not champion the people—he betrays them. Senator Erwin Tulfo’s outrageous remarks are not just irresponsible, they are dangerous. No lawmaker has the right to trample…
Former Marine Officer Orly Regala Guteza, a surprise witness presented by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation, opened the can of worms revealing how billions of pesos were delivered to the residences of then House Speaker Committee Chairman Zaldy Co and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Guteza clearly described how…
Speaking during the plenary deliberations on the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC), Congressman, Isidro T. Ungab of the 3rd District of Davao City, delivered a sharp rebuke against what he called the “reckless and indefensible defunding” of Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) in both the 2024 and 2025 national budgets. “These budgets are perhaps the most distorted…
Recognizing the need to bring government services closer to Filipinos, especially in remote areas where internet connectivity remains a challenge, health reforms crusader Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, September 23, urged the Philippine Health Corporation (PhilHealth) to prioritize the issuance of a PhilHealth ID to ensure healthcare access to Filipinos. The government recently launched…
PHOTO CAPTION: Davao authorities reported around 7,500 people gathered at San Pedro Square in Davao City as of 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, for the “Pray for the Philippines and for the Release of Former President Rodrigo Duterte” rally, despite intermittent rain. (Photo credit to Ivy Tejano) By Ivy Tejano DAVAO CITY – Senator Christopher…
DAVAO CITY – A veteran diplomat-turned-peace advocate cautioned the Marcos administration, on Friday, September 19, against policies in the South China Sea that he said could entangle the Philippines in a major power confrontation. Speaking at the Media Forum on Peace in Asia, Asian Century Philippines Vice President Adolfo Quizon Paglinawan described the government’s approach…
Reports of corruption in flood control projects have placed House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his aide, Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” Gabonada Jr., under the public spotlight. According to sworn statements from contractors, names of high-ranking officials were allegedly mentioned in connection with demands for commissions or kickbacks in infrastructure contracts, including those for flood…
