Abbey M.

Motorists traveling along the North Luzon Expressway should prepare for congestion this Saturday and Sunday, January 17-18, as the Hiraya Music Fest & Hot Air Balloon takes place at Clark Global City in Pampanga.

NLEx Corp. issued an advisory on January 14, warning of expected delays throughout the weekend. The festival runs from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. both days, with a significant impact on surrounding expressway traffic.

The tollway operator urges drivers to ensure their RFID accounts have sufficient load and map out routes ahead of time. Event-goers are recommended to take the Clark South exit for easier access.

To manage the flow, traffic personnel will be stationed across areas along the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway to provide assistance and guidance to motorists navigating the busy weekend.

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino workers are expected to benefit from better-quality socialized housing following the government’s approval of higher price ceilings for socialized subdivision and condominium projects, while Pag-IBIG Fund continues to provide affordability through its subsidized housing loan rates under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.

The updated ceilings, issued under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2025-001, are intended to reflect current cost conditions and enable developers to deliver improved unit quality and safer housing standards.

“Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s housing agenda, our goal is clear. Filipino workers should have access to homes that are safe, decent and built to last, and that remain within their reach,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling said. “By updating the price ceilings, we are aligning project prices with today’s cost conditions so developers can build better socialized housing units and sustain construction. 

This strengthens the housing industry’s capacity to deliver more homes at scale, while keeping Expanded 4PH firmly focused on affordability to make homeownership more attainable for Filipinos.”

Under the IRR, the maximum selling price for socialized house-and-lot units has been adjusted to P844,440 for a minimum unit size of 24 to 26 sq. m., and P950,000 for 27 sq. m. and above.

For socialized condominium projects, price ceilings were also updated based on building classification and unit size, with maximum selling prices set at up to P1.8 million for projects above five floors with unit sizes of 27 sq. m. and above.

For eligible socialized condominium projects in the National Capital Region and other highly urbanized cities, the IRR also allows maximum add-ons based on zonal value of up to P200,000, bringing the allowable maximum selling price for select categories to as high as P2.0 million.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the Fund will continue to support Expanded 4PH by keeping housing loan terms affordable for qualified members, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s push to expand access to homeownership. She added that Pag-IBIG Fund will work closely with housing stakeholders, including partner developers, to help speed up unit production and takeouts under the program.

“Our strong fiscal position allows us to continue offering subsidized rates under the Expanded 4PH so our members can truly achieve their dream of owning a home,” Acosta said. “Even as better socialized homes become available under the new ceilings, we will keep loan terms affordable and work closely with our partners to help fast-track the availability of more housing units for Filipino workers.”

Under the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan for the Expanded 4PH, qualified members may avail of loans at a subsidized 3% interest rate for the first five years of the loan, extendible for another five years for qualified borrowers.

This lowers monthly payments to P4,005 for house-and-lot units priced up to P950,000, and about P8,432 for condominium units priced up to P2 million. Through the agency’s Early Bird Promo, the first 30,000 qualified borrowers may enjoy the subsidized rate for the first 10 years of the loan.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the country will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate economic growth, as he spearheaded the launch of the Department of Education's (DepEd) Project Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence (AGAP.AI).

"At the national level, we are leveraging AI as an engine for development. We are establishing the Philippine AI Program Framework for the future-proofing of our economy," President Marcos said during the launching held at the Quezon City Science High School.

[Sa antas ng bansa, ginagamit natin ang AI bilang makina para sa kaunlaran. Itinatayo natin ang Philippine AI Program Framework para sa pagprotekta sa kinabukasan ng ating ekonomiya.]

The national framework emphasizes building robust infrastructure, including high-performance computing systems and upskilling workers and educators, the Chief Executive explained.

"Through investment in AI research and development, we ensure that this technology delivers real benefits while remaining ethical and responsible," the President stressed.

[Sa pamamagitan ng pamumuhunan sa pananaliksik at pagpapaunlad ng AI, sinisiguro natin na naghahatid ng teknolohiyang ito ng tunay na benepisyo habang nananatiling etikal at responsable,]

As Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this 2026, PBBM shared that the Philippines is also developing a harmonized and human-centered AI ecosystem across Southeast Asia, concentrating on five vital sectors: finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

"Indeed, we are taking the lead in building an innovative environment for Filipinos, as well as for our ASEAN brothers and sisters," the President said.

[Tunay nga, nangunguna tayo sa pagbuo ng makabagong kapaligiran para sa mga Pilipino, at para sa ating mga kapatid sa ASEAN.]

The Chief Executive observed that this generation is very fortunate to live in a world where information and tools are readily available.

As a tech enthusiast, President Marcos noted that AI will help people tackle more complex challenges but it cannot replace core human qualities and responsibilities.

"You have in your hands an extraordinarily powerful tool. But you must use it to help you think and support your learning. It should never replace your drive, your creativity, and grit to learn about our world," the President emphasized.

[Nasa mga kamay niyo ang napakalakas na kasangkapan. Ngunit dapat niyong gamitin ito upang tulungan kayong mag-isip at suportahan ang iyong pag-aaral. Hindi dapat nito palitan ang inyong determinasyon, kreatibidad, at tiyaga na matuto tungkol sa ating mundo.]

"There are still some things that technology cannot do for us. Technology cannot replace discipline. It cannot replace effort. It cannot replace the habit of showing up prepared and ready to learn. It cannot replace hard work."

"That is how we build a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is enabled by technology and powered by Filipinos who choose to learn, to work and to aspire for a better future for all," said President Marcos.

[‘Yan ang paraan sa pagbuo ng Bagong Pilipinas. Pinagagana ng teknolohiya at pinapatakbo ng mga Pilipinong pumipili na matuto, magtrabaho, at mangarap para sa mas magandang kinabukasan para sa lahat.]

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MANILA – Anyone will be free to file an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte starting February 6, 2026, when the one-year ban on filing impeachment complaints against officials expires, based on a Supreme Court decision.

House Committee on Public Accounts Chairperson and Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon said any new impeachment case against VP Duterte would be based on truth and accountability, not political deals. This contradicts Senator Imee Marcos's suggestion that pork barrel allocations in the 2026 budget could be used to motivate a new impeachment effort.

"Impeachment proceedings are not based on projects that are promised. Impeachment proceedings are based on quests for truth and accountability, particularly on the use of confidential funds," Ridon said. "So, the basis for the impeachment last year has not changed, actually, for 2026. So, if house members or civil society would want to fight it again as soon as the one-year ban is finished, I think they are free to do so."

The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the House's appeal of its decision on the impeachment case against VP Duterte. Ridon explained that if the court rules in favor of the House before February 6, no new complaint would be needed and the Senate would have to proceed to trial.

"So hopefully from today until the 5th of February 2026 the Supreme Court will basically dispose of the matter already," Ridon said. "If it is favorable to the House, it basically would mean that you don't need another impeachment complaint against the vice president at this point. It basically means that the Senate will have to proceed to trial."

[“So hopefully, from today until the 5th of February 2026 the Supreme Court will basically dispose of the matter already. Kasi siyempre, pagka ho it is favorable to the House, it basically would mean that you don’t need another impeachment complaint against the vice president at this point. It basically means that the senate will have to proceed to trial…”]

However, if the ruling is unfavorable or if the court has not decided by February 6, the House would need to implement new impeachment rules as directed by the Supreme Court, which would guide any complaints filed after that date.

House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Caloocan 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice, meanwhile, said he will not file an impeachment complaint against VP Duterte. He argued that if an impeachment is pursued against the Vice President over allegations involving 125 million pesos in confidential funds and 500 million pesos in DepEd funds, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should also face impeachment over the flood control corruption scandal involving trillions of pesos.

"If we want fairness, not just politics, then both of them should face the impeachment court and both should explain the accusations against them," Erice said.

[“Dapat, kung gusto natin ng makatarungan, hindi lang yung dahil sa pulitika, eh di pareho na silang humarap sa impeachment court, pareho silang magpaliwanag sa mga akusasyon sa kanila.”]

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Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that guarantee letters are no longer required at DOH-accredited hospitals due to the implementation of the Zero Balance Billing Program.

The one billion pesos allocated to the agency will significantly support the program's implementation in local government hospitals.

"Constituents are free to ask assistance from their elected officials. But do they need a guarantee letter from them to get assistance, no. They can go straight to the Department of Health and we will help them if they need help and if we have the funds, we will provide the funds if they are qualified to get the funds," Herbosa stated.

["constituents are free to ask assistance from their elected officials. But do they need a guarantee letter from them to get assistance, no. They can go straight to the Department of Health and we will help them if they need help and if we have the funds, we will provide the funds if they are qualified to get the funds."]

Zero balance billing is already in effect

The DOH will not prevent anyone from approaching elected officials for medical financial assistance through guarantee letters (GL). However, according to Health Secretary Herbosa, guarantee letters are no longer necessary at DOH hospitals because the government is already implementing the Zero Balance Billing Program.

"So, sa taumbayan, zero balance billing na po ang inutos ng Presidente, bayad na ang bill ninyo, kahit P2 million, P2.7 million iyong pinakamalaking bill na binayaran ng DOH para sa pasyente, zero balance, magpa-admit kayo sa basic accommodation at zero balance po, hindi kayo iwiwithold ng treatment, treatment will be given to you," the Secretary explained.

["So, to the public, zero balance billing has been ordered by the President—your bill is paid, even if it's P2 million, P2.7 million is the largest bill that DOH has paid for a patient, zero balance. Admit yourself to basic accommodation and it's zero balance, you will not be withheld treatment, treatment will be given to you."]

The President has mandated zero balance billing, meaning patients' bills are covered—even amounts as high as P2 million or P2.7 million, the largest bill DOH has paid for a patient. Patients admitted to basic accommodation will have zero balance and will not be denied treatment.

MAIFIP guidelines expected soon

The Secretary announced that guidelines for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) are expected to be released before the end of January or by mid-February.

He stressed that they will strictly implement Section 19 of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which prohibits politicians from participating in the distribution of any type of financial aid.

The DOH plans to allocate MAIFIP funds for patients in semi-private hospital accommodations.

"So, in the IRR that we're drafting for the support fund to LGU hospitals, sa MAIP we are going to use basic accommodation and semi-private. Pero kung naka-suite room ka at single room palagay ko hindi ka qualified to use medical assistance fund from your tax money – tax money ninyo iyan," Herbosa said.

["So, in the IRR that we're drafting for the support fund to LGU hospitals, in MAIFIP we are going to use basic accommodation and semi-private. But if you're in a suite room or single room, I don't think you're qualified to use medical assistance fund from your tax money—that's your tax money."]

PhilHealth speeds up hospital claims processing

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has accelerated the payment of hospital claims to support the zero balance billing implementation.

PhilHealth CEO and President Dr. Edwin Mercado explained that hospitals have seen faster payments, with even doctors' professional fees substantially covered. Many facilities have added Z package offerings for conditions like acute myocardial infarction.

"At dahil po nakita na po nila na mabilis po iyong bayad at nakikinabang nga po iyong even the professional fees of the doctors at substantially covered, marami na pong nadagdag na mga facilities na nag-o-offer nitong ating Z package like acute myocardial infarct. Kahit po private hospital ngayon nag-no, no balance bill na, kasi nakikita po nila iyong iba pong pasyente lumilipat na ng ibang hospital, so iyong po iyong market pressure na pati ho iyong private hospital nag-e-engage na," Mercado stated.

["And because they've seen that the payment is fast and even the professional fees of the doctors are substantially covered, many facilities have added our Z package offerings like acute myocardial infarction. Even private hospitals now are offering no balance billing, because they see other patients transferring to other hospitals, so that's the market pressure that even private hospitals are now engaging."]

Even private hospitals are now offering no balance billing due to market pressure, as they've observed patients transferring to other hospitals.

P1 billion allocated for local government hospitals

The one billion pesos allocated for the Zero Balance Billing Program will be a major assistance to DOH, with local government hospitals being the primary beneficiaries, according to Secretary Herbosa.

"For the Level 1 Hospitals, ang feeling namin kaya na siyang i-support noong increased benefits of PhilHealth. So, alam iyon ng mga local chief executives. But for LGUs that have Level 2 and Level 3 Hospitals, ito iyong mas complex procedures and higher cost of care sila iyong gagamitin nating pilot," the Secretary said.

["For the Level 1 Hospitals, we feel they can be supported by the increased benefits of PhilHealth. So, the local chief executives know that. But for LGUs that have Level 2 and Level 3 Hospitals, these handle more complex procedures and higher cost of care—they're the ones we'll use as pilots."]

Level 1 hospitals can be supported by PhilHealth's increased benefits, which local chief executives are aware of. However, Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals, which handle more complex procedures and higher costs of care, will be used as pilots for the program.

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