The 2026 national budget deliberations reveal an uncomfortable truth: the House of Representatives learned nothing from the scandalous budget insertions that marred the 2025 General Appropriations Act. A new investigation by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) shows that the largest Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget insertions were funneled to districts…
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has granted provisional approval for Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) to start connecting customers in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, as stated in Republic Act 12144. In an en banc commission meeting last Dec 12 2025, the energy regulator granted Provisional Authority (PA) approval for Davao Light’s…
Fresh from wrapping up the general championship of the Davao Oriental provincial games, the first-class town of Governor Generoso will craft an ordinance mandating cash prizes for winning local athletes. “This will compensate for the efforts local athletes have devoted in excelling in their events,” said Mayor Juanito “Kulot” Inojales on Monday. The mayor led…
By Ivy Tejano DAVAO CITY – The local authorities denied reports of any terrorist training ground in Davao or elsewhere in Mindanao, following reports about Australian terror suspects who allegedly visited the Philippines last month. In Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson…
FORMER Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s camp rejected attempts to pin plunder and other serious crimes on him, underscoring that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) itself made clear its referral to the Ombudsman was “issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability.” In a statement, Atty. Ade Fajardo, lawyer and spokesperson of Romualdez,…
By Ivy Tejano DAVAO CITY – Mindanao has emerged as the country’s most improved region in reducing poverty and stabilizing prices, while remaining a surplus producer of rice and fish, according to the Mindanao Development Authority. Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno assessed the 19-page “Mindanao Socioeconomic Analysis Report, First Semester 2025” as…
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally attended the House of Hope Foundation Annual Survivors Day Celebration held on Monday, December 8, at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City. He was invited by Ms. Minda Cruz, President of the House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Inc., and Southern Philippines Medical Center Head of Cancer…
The Supreme Court’s order directing the government to return the ₱60 billion in PhilHealth funds improperly transferred to the National Treasury should have been a resounding triumph for accountability. Instead, Malacañang’s response—that the money will be “restored” through the 2026 national budget—turns that supposed victory into a bitter insult. The funds may indeed be returned…
By Ivy Tejano DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte and four Davao lawmakers criticized the House of Representatives on over the weekend for suspending Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, calling it an attempt to silence those who speak “uncomfortable truths.” The vice president said in a statement that she will support all Filipinos “who…
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the soft launch of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Kidney and Transplant Institute in Davao City, emphasizing its importance in improving access to more dialysis and treatment for chronic kidney disease patients across Mindanao. Go is one of the authors and principal sponsor of the Republic Act No. 11959,…
