Abbey M.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared Monday that there will be "no sacred cows" in the sweeping investigation of anomalous flood control projects, vowing that even his cousin, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and other political allies will face scrutiny from a newly formed independent commission.

"Well, there's only one way to do it – they will not be spared," Marcos said firmly during a press briefing at Malacañang when asked about ensuring impartiality in the probe. 

"Wala tayong kinikilingan, wala tayong tinutulungan. Wala naman maniniwala sa iyo hanggat gawin mo eh, so gagawin namin" (We will not side with anyone, we will not help anyone. No one will believe you unless you do it, so we'll do it).

The President's stark pledge comes as the newly established Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) prepares to investigate what officials describe as widespread corruption in the government's multi-billion peso flood control program, with ghost projects and anomalous contracts allegedly bleeding taxpayer funds dry.

High-stakes probe targets powerful figures

The commission, created through Executive Order No. 94 signed on September 11, has drawn immediate attention to several high-profile lawmakers implicated in the scandal. 

Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco has specifically named Speaker Romualdez and former House appropriations committee chairman Zaldy Co of the Ako Bicol party-list as central figures in questionable budget insertions worth billions of pesos.

Co, who was an incorporator of Sunwest Inc. – the fifth leading flood control contractor in the Bicol Region before reportedly divesting from the firm – has branded the accusations as "baseless and irresponsible," calling them "politically motivated" attempts to "mislead the public and deflect accountability."

Similarly, Romualdez dismissed claims that his name was used to secure commissions in flood control projects as "false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping." 

The Speaker, who leads the House of Representatives, has pledged full cooperation with the investigation while maintaining his innocence.

Independent Commission gets broad powers

ICI is chaired by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., with members former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV & Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong serves as Special Adviser and Investigator to the commission. 

The commission has been granted sweeping powers to investigate "anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds" in government infrastructure projects, with particular focus on flood control initiatives implemented over the past decade.

Significantly, the probe will span multiple administrations, covering the final years of President Benigno Aquino III's "Private-Public Partnership Program," former President Rodrigo Duterte's "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure push, and Marcos' current "Build Better More" program.

"What I want to stress here is the independent nature of this commission," PBBM emphasized. 

"Hindi kami makikialam sa trabaho nila (We will not meddle in their work). We are not going to direct them as to how they will conduct their investigations, and we are going to leave it up to them."

Billions at stake as reforms take shape

The corruption scandal has prompted immediate policy changes, with Marcos ordering the cancellation of all flood control allocations for 2026. 

Instead, legislators will receive a "menu" of alternative projects covering education, agriculture, health, housing, and other social services using funds previously earmarked for flood control.

The President also announced the restoration of a safeguard requiring local government units to formally accept projects before they are marked as complete by the Department of Public Works and Highways – a rule that was reportedly removed during the previous administration.

"We are trying to move as quickly as possible," Marcos said, describing the reforms as "a turning point in the conduct of governance in the Philippines."

Congressional response mixed as political tensions rise

House Speaker Romualdez has publicly expressed support for the commission while maintaining his chamber's commitment to transparency. "I fully support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s statement that no one is exempt from accountability," he said in a statement. "The House under my leadership will never be a sanctuary for corruption."

However, political tensions continue to simmer within Congress. Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga recently resigned from the National Unity Party and the majority bloc, specifically citing the need for Romualdez to be investigated first.

The controversy has also spilled into the Senate, where lawmakers clashed over the custody of Brice Hernandez, a former Department of Public Works and Highways assistant district engineer whose revelations implicated several high-ranking officials and senators in the alleged schemes.

Public trust hangs in the balance

With billions of pesos in taxpayer money at stake, the ICI's work represents a crucial test of the Marcos administration's commitment to good governance and accountability. 

The commission's findings could reshape Philippine politics and infrastructure policy while determining whether the country can break decades-old patterns of corruption in public works projects.

"Accountability is key here," Romualdez acknowledged in his statement supporting the probe. "Those who must be held responsible should answer for their actions. Above all, public trust in government must be preserved."

As floodwaters continue to batter Filipino communities, the investigation promises to reveal whether the billions spent on flood control actually reached their intended destinations – or disappeared into the pockets of corrupt officials and contractors.

The commission is expected to begin its work immediately, with PBBM promising regular updates on its progress while maintaining strict non-interference in its operations. 

For a country long plagued by infrastructure corruption scandals, the ICI's success or failure may well determine the administration's legacy on transparency and good governance.

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The Senate presidency changed hands on Monday, barely a month after the 20th Congress convened, as Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III was elected Senate President, replacing Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

The abrupt leadership shift followed days of quiet maneuvering among lawmakers that culminated in a majority vote ousting Escudero and elevating Sotto back to the chamber’s top post.

Alongside Sotto’s election, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was chosen as Senate President Pro Tempore, while Senator Miguel Zubiri took over as Senate Majority Leader. Senator Risa Hontiveros and Senator JV Ejercito were elected Deputy Majority Leaders.

Other members of the majority bloc include Senators Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, Win Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Kiko Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Camille Villar, and Mark Villar.

The minority bloc will now be led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate Minority Leader, with Senator Rodante Marcoleta and Senator Joel Villanueva as his deputies. Senators Escudero, Imee Marcos, Jinggoy Estrada, Robin Padilla, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Bong Go join them in the minority ranks.

The change in leadership significantly reshaped the chamber’s political alignment. Escudero, who only assumed the Senate presidency in July, now finds himself in the minority along with several allies, highlighting the volatility of alliances early in the 20th Congress.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he remains confident that the administration’s legislative agenda will not be derailed by the shake-up in Senate leadership. Speaking at a media forum in Cambodia following his three-day state visit, Marcos described the reorganization as an internal matter for senators.

“The Senate knows how to organize itself; the Senate also knows how to do the work,” the President said. 

He added that he does not expect major changes to the agenda previously agreed upon when Escudero was Senate President.

Sotto formally assumed the post on Monday after securing the support of the majority of the 24-member chamber. 

PBBM, who served as senator from 2010 to 2016, said he trusted the institution to carry on its duties regardless of the leadership change.

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OREM, Utah — September 11, 2025. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University, authorities said. He was 31.

The shooting happened just after 12:10 p.m. MDT during a stop on Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” 

Witnesses said he had only just begun addressing a crowd gathered near a “Prove Me Wrong” booth when the crack of a gunshot cut through the campus.

Kirk was hit in the neck and collapsed as students and attendees scrambled for cover. 

Paramedics rushed to the scene, but officials said he was pronounced dead within minutes. Investigators believe the shot was fired from a building about 200 yards away.

Campus police and sheriff’s deputies immediately detained several people for questioning, though all were released later in the day after being cleared. As of late Wednesday night, no arrests had been made and the search for a suspect continued.

Kirk launched Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was just 18 years old, building it into one of the most visible conservative youth organizations in the country. 

A frequent speaker and podcast host, he was known for his sharp commentary and combative style, particularly on college campuses where his group often sparred with critics.

News of his death sparked shock and anger across the political spectrum. Turning Point USA called the killing “a devastating loss for the conservative movement,” while lawmakers from both parties condemned the violence and urged for answers.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump expressed his grief about the killing of Charlie Kirk.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!" Trump wrote on his social media platform.

Authorities have not released a motive and asked the public to share any information that could help the investigation. 

Utah Valley University canceled classes for the rest of the week and made grief counselors available to students and staff.

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On August 31, the KDR Adventure Camp in Bataan once again became the proving ground for endurance athletes as Titans at KDRAC returned with a full day of intense competition. The event brought together participants for obstacle course races and the much-awaited Titans Junior Run, filling the campgrounds with energy and excitement.

The event drew athletes of all ages, from elite runners to grassroots participants, showcasing grit, camaraderie, and determination. 

After hours of racing under the Bataan sun, winners were crowned across the Elite and Age Group categories, capping off a day that highlighted not just competition, but also community and the spirit of adventure.

Elite Category 10km

Male

1st place - Ryan Adam Wigan (Barretto Runner)

2nd place - France Gordo

3rd place - Bhong Gatbonton (Gym Direction)

Female

1st place - Erica Lachica (Spartan Raven)

2nd place - Melinda Wigan (Barretto Runners)

3rd place - Ofelia Temlor

Titans @ KDRAC | 8.31.25

Winners

Elite Category 10km

Male

1st place - Ryan Adam Wigan (Barretto Runner)

2nd place - France Gordo

3rd place - Bhong Gatbonton (Gym Direction)

Female

1st place - Erica Lachica (Spartan Raven)

2nd place - Melinda Wigan (Barretto Runners)

3rd place - Ofelia Temlor

Age Group Category 10km

55 - 59 yo

1st place - Dominador Saysay (Sayklista)

2nd place - Osbert Oasan (Titans of Ascoville)

50 - 54 yo

1st place - Bienvenido Aquino (Team Bataan)

2nd place - Celso Nacilla

45 - 49 yo

Male

1st place - Jimmy Binoya

2nd place - Norleto Enriquez

3rd place - Marineto Roga (MBR Runners)

Female

1st place - Alet Amarilla (Barretto Runners)

40 - 44 yo

1st place - Thea Chua (Barretto Runners)

35 - 39 yo

1st place - Eric Catibog 

2nd place - Jerome Uaje

3rd place - Rain de Guzman (Barretto Runners)

30 - 34 yo

Male

1st place - Jay-Ar Reyes (Sayklista)

2nd place - Anthony Biangco (Barretto Runners)

3rd place - Joshua Saysay (Sayklista)

Female

1st place - Aida Upham (Barretto Runners)

25 - 29 yo

Male

1st place - Ralph Panganiban (Fits Bump)

Female

1st place - Maria Jessica Alvero (Barretto Runners)

2nd place - Katherine Azul

3rd place - Mica Bethany Reyes (Barretto Runners)

18 - 24 yo

1st place - Lianiel Lucena (Sayklista)

2nd place - Archey Samante

3rd place - Darnel Jomaoas

14 - 17 yo

1st place - Ian Ruiz

More than a race at KDRAC

The 10km run was only one part of the action. Titans Ninja 100m pushed athletes to their limits, while the Titans Junior OCR gave kids aged 4–13 their own stage to shine. Families gathered to cheer, and the younger competitors showed the same fire as the veterans.

Guests who came without race numbers still found a way to join the fun. The Experience Day opened the OCR and Ninja courses to anyone curious enough to try, turning spectators into participants.

The local government of Orani, along with sponsors and partners, stood behind the event, adding weight to its mission of building fitness, friendship, and adventure.

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WALANG PASOK

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the suspension of classes in all levels, public and private, and government work on Monday, September 1, 2025, in the following areas due to inclement weather:

(This is a running list, please refresh this post for updates.)

1. Metro Manila

2. Cavite

3. Bulacan

4. Laguna

5. Quezon

6. Camarines Norte

7. Camarines Sur

8. Albay

9. Catanduanes

10. Sorsogon

11. Masbate

12. Northern Samar

13. Occidental Mindoro

14. Antique

15. Negros Occidental

16. Pampanga

17. Rizal

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