Abbey M.

The Department of Health has issued a public advisory reminding residents, particularly those in the most affected towns of Camalig and Guinobatan in Albay, that the ash being released by Mayon Volcano poses serious health risks.

According to the DOH, volcanic ash is not ordinary dust. It contains sharp, fine rock particles mixed with minerals and volcanic glass that can cause harm to the body. Doctors warn that exposure can lead to severe coughing, as well as irritation of the eyes and skin.

To protect themselves, residents in affected areas are advised to wear N95 masks to avoid inhaling volcanic ash. Those without face masks may use a wet cloth to cover their nose and mouth. Wearing glasses or goggles is also recommended for eye protection.

Residents are further advised to avoid sweeping dry ash to prevent it from spreading further into the air. Keeping doors and windows closed, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and monitoring updates on the volcano's activity are also strongly encouraged.

Authorities are also strictly reminding the public not to enter the volcano's permanent danger zone given its continued activity.

Those in need of immediate assistance may contact the National Emergency Hotline at 911 or reach DOH Bicol at 0992-811-0733.

Two towns in Albay were blanketed by heavy ashfall after Mayon Volcano erupted on Saturday afternoon, as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology continues to closely monitor the volcano's activity.

Residents in Albay were caught off guard when Mayon Volcano suddenly erupted at around 5:38 p.m. on Saturday. Lava flowed down the volcano's slopes and generated a pyroclastic density current on its southwestern side. Videos and photos taken by residents showed a massive, thick column of smoke billowing from the volcano.

The towns of Camalig and Guinobatan in Albay bore the brunt of the ashfall. Thick ash covered homes, crops, roads, animals, and residents in the affected areas.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the eruption was caused by a lava collapse near the Mi-is Gully. Phivolcs also said this was the largest pyroclastic density current recorded since January 1 of this year, when Mayon Volcano was raised to Alert Level 3.

The volume of ash was so heavy that it reduced road visibility to near-zero levels, causing delays for motorists in the area.

The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately distributed face masks to residents as protection, particularly for those with existing respiratory conditions.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to respond to areas affected by the heavy ashfall from Mayon Volcano.

The directive specifically covers the towns of Guinobatan and Camalig in Albay.

According to Malacañang, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already begun clearing operations to remove thick ash from major roads to allow residents and emergency responders to pass through.

The Department of Health has also distributed N95 masks and deployed mobile clinics and water stations to address residents experiencing breathing difficulties and coughing.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, has started distributing food and other necessities to families in evacuation centers.

President Marcos has also instructed authorities to closely monitor rivers and other waterways due to the risk of lahar flow, particularly once heavy rains set in.

Residents are urged to stay indoors as much as possible, wear protective masks, and follow announcements from their respective local government units.

Manila, Philippines – The government has launched a new transparency website as it moves to counter the spread of misinformation claiming it has taken no action amid the ongoing oil crisis.

The Department of Budget and Management introduced the UPLIFT microsite, accessible at uplift.gov.ph, as a centralized platform where the public can track government efforts across various agencies responding to the crisis.

DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the initiative comes in response to the surge of false information circulating on social media.

"Ang dami po kasing kumakalat na mga maling impormasyon, may mga kumakalat na balita na walang ginagawa ang gobyerno. Which is not true at all."

("A lot of misinformation has been spreading, with reports circulating that the government is doing nothing. Which is not true at all.")

The website contains key data including the allocation of subsidies and cash aid, updates on commodity prices, locations of ayuda payout centers, available discounts, the country's electricity and supply situation, and the number of Filipinos who have returned home following the conflict in the Middle East.

Usec. Libiran described the platform as a "source of truth" for the public.

"Kaya po gusto naming makita nila under the directive of the President ano ba talaga ang ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa kanila. Lahat naman ng mga programa, proyekto, ayuda, tulong, lahat yan sila ang true beneficiary. Para maiwasan maligaw ng landas dahil sa mga fake news na kumakalat."

("We want them to see, under the directive of the President, what the government is truly doing for them. All the programs, projects, aid, and assistance — they are the true beneficiaries. This is to keep them from being misled by the fake news circulating.")

The DBM official added that the website is not merely a public information update but also a demonstration of the government's readiness to be scrutinized and held accountable.

Meanwhile, the proposed Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport — or UPLIFT Bill is expected to require hundreds of billions of pesos in funding once enacted into law.

The UPLIFT Committee recently convened to discuss further steps to ease the impact of rising petroleum product prices. Usec. Libiran placed the preliminary funding requirement at ₱155 billion.

"The estimated funding requirement for the proposed UPLIFT intervention is at least 155 billion based on the preliminary presentation of the Office of the Executive Secretary."

She clarified, however, that the figure is not yet final and remains subject to change depending on the needs and proposals of implementing agencies.

"We are not looking at entirely new spending but rather strategic reprioritization within the current fiscal space, consistent with prudent fiscal management and in line with whole-of-government efforts."

Under the proposed measure, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeks to accelerate the flow of funds for government projects, including the use of savings or unobligated allotments from fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Manila, Philippines – The Senate is preparing for the possible transmission of Vice President Sara Duterte's articles of impeachment, though senior legislators say it is too early to set a definitive timeline as the complaint has yet to formally reach the chamber.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson clarified that the impeachment trial will not be affected by the Senate's sine die adjournment on June 9, stressing that trial proceedings operate separately from regular legislative sessions.

"Tuloy-tuloy yun, separate naman yung impeachment trial sa session. So yung sine die adjournment will not in any way affect the schedule of the impeachment trial," Lacson said.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III echoed the same position, saying the Senate can extend its work even during a break. Sotto added that once the articles of impeachment are received, the Senate will act on it forthwith, the following day, regardless of what day it falls.

"If ever we do receive the articles of impeachment, we will act on it forthwith — the following day, whatever day that is," Sotto said.

Sotto also stressed the need for impartiality, noting that the public is closely watching how the Senate handles the case against the country's second-highest official.

"We have to be impartial — kahit sino ipapadala sa amin na articles of impeachment, we have to look at it at a very impartial attitude," he said.

The Senate president further confirmed that the impeachment trial will be open to the public and that the chamber must be in session when the articles are formally received. Once convened as an impeachment court, proceedings will continue uninterrupted.

Lacson, meanwhile, acknowledged that the trial will pose challenges for senators without legal backgrounds, noting that lawyers in the chamber hold a natural advantage in litigation and court proceedings. He said he and Sotto are nonetheless working diligently to ensure due process is upheld.

Senator Pia Cayetano, a lawyer who has participated in a previous impeachment trial, said she already comes prepared. Senator Rodante Marcoleta, on the other hand, said he is not actively preparing and will simply wait for whatever reaches the Senate floor.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta, on the other hand, said he is not actively preparing and will simply wait for whatever reaches the Senate floor.

"Di naman ako nagpe-prepare. Basta kung ano yung dumating, darating," Marcoleta said.

Following a caucus held the same day, Sotto reiterated that the Senate will act on the articles of impeachment the moment they are received.

Sotto added that the Senate must be in session when the articles are formally transmitted. However, once convened as an impeachment court, proceedings will continue uninterrupted. 

The Senate leadership also confirmed that the trial will be open to the public.