Abbey M.

Wanted businessman Atong Ang remains in the Philippines.

This was the confident response of Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida when asked about the whereabouts of the alleged mastermind behind the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts.

According to Vida, there are no reports from formal channels such as the Bureau of Immigration indicating that Ang has left the country.

However, he did not rule out the possibility that Ang found other means to leave the Philippines.

“We have partners. We have member countries that are cooperating with us. And we are exploring all avenues—the diplomatic community. We are exploring all our channels there. And our record, still here. As of this time of speaking wala sa BI of course those are the formal channels, Sa formal channel wala talaga, pero on some intel, yes, there is indication that he is still around.”

("We have partners. We have member countries that are cooperating with us. And we are exploring all avenues—the diplomatic community. We are exploring all our channels there. And our record, still here,") Vida said.

("As of this time of speaking, there's nothing from the BI—of course those are the formal channels. In the formal channel, there's really nothing, but based on some intelligence, yes, there is indication that he is still around,") he added.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved 21 priority bills from the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Among the measures approved by the President are proposals to abolish the travel tax, create an Independent People's Commission, and combat fake news and digital disinformation.

"The President saw that this would ease the burden on our tourists and our countrymen who travel," said Undersecretary Claire Castro, Palace Press Officer.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has listened to the complaints of Filipino travelers regarding travel tax payments. During the LEDAC meeting held today, its abolition was included among the 21 priority bills approved by PBBM.

According to Malacañang, the LEDAC meeting discussed the potential impact of removing the travel tax. President Marcos reportedly saw the significant benefit this would bring to tourists and Filipino travelers.

Travelers pay between 1,620 pesos and 2,700 pesos in travel tax, depending on whether they choose economy or first-class seats when leaving the country.

Of the total tax collected, 50 percent goes to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), 40 percent to the Commission on Higher Education for tourism-related educational programs, and 10 percent to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

According to Usec. Castro, programs that would be affected by the travel tax abolition will be funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

"When this is abolished and it's not just a fee deduction, this will be funded by the government, of course, through the GAA," Castro said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco previously stated she would leave the travel tax issue to lawmakers, though she emphasized its significant contribution to the country's economy.

The President's son, Ilocos Norte First District Representative Sandro Marcos, is the principal author of the travel tax abolition bill.

Beyond travel tax abolition, PBBM has prioritized the passage before the June 2026 session break of measures to strengthen the fight against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, fake news, and the creation of an Independent People's Commission.

President Marcos also emphasized the passage of an anti-political dynasty bill. According to Malacañang, Congress is currently conducting consultations for the version to be crafted. The President will await this to study what kind of anti-political dynasty bill the administration will support.

"For now, Congress is still conducting consultations. So, when they provide their version, that's when the President will know what is better and what he will support," Castro said.

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The House Justice Committee has approved a report declaring the impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. insufficient in substance. This means the dismissal of the impeachment complaints endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Partylist Rep. Jett Nisay and Makabayan Lawmakers.

The next step is to submit the report to the House plenary for adoption.

However, if one-third of House members vote against the House Justice Committee report, the decision could be overturned and the impeachment complaint would remain alive.

Meanwhile, a third impeachment complaint has been filed in the House against Vice President Sara Duterte.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.

Senator Imee Marcos has strongly denied circulating claims that she orchestrated an alleged power struggle in the Senate.

In an official statement, the senator said the entire minority bloc can attest that she was the last to know about plans to replace the Senate President.

According to the presidential sister, disputes and disagreements don't matter much to her as long as they're for the right reasons.

She added that when she was given the Committee on Foreign Relations despite not being part of the majority, she was deeply grateful to then-Senate President Tito Sotto.

The senator also said that because she is a critic of her brother's administration, she no longer expects any support whatsoever in any actions within the Senate.

With reports from Joan Nano.

House Committee on Public Accounts Chairperson and Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon is hoping that Ramil Madriaga will reveal the identities of Mary Grace Piattos and other recipients of Vice President Sara Duterte's confidential funds.

Madriaga is the alleged former bagman of the Vice President and has accused VP Duterte of using money from drug dealers and POGOs for her 2022 election campaign.

Rep. Ridon emphasized that if Madriaga knows about the bogus names, it's time to disclose this information to bring clarity to the controversy, especially since Vice President Duterte is not addressing the issue.

Madriaga is reportedly ready to appear in any investigation if summoned by Congress, the Senate, or even the Office of the Ombudsman.

Madriaga's lawyer Atty. Raymund Palad said that his client knows he can be summoned to Congress, the Senate, or the Ombudsman since he executed an affidavit. He added that Madriaga is willing to appear as long as he receives a subpoena or is summoned.

"Alam niya the fact na nag-execute siya ng affidavit, puwede siyang ipatawag sa Kongreso, sa Senado o sa Ombudsman. So yung willingness niya, yes. Basta maka-receive siya ng subpoena o ipatawag, mag-a-appear po siya." 

(He knows the fact that he executed an affidavit, he can be summoned to Congress, the Senate or the Ombudsman. So his willingness, yes. As long as he receives a subpoena or is summoned, he will appear.)

With reports from Rosalie Coz.