Abbey M.

Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the Special Assistance for Financial Emergencies or SAFE Loan, which provides qualified members with up to P10,000 in affordable cash assistance for urgent needs amid the continuing effects of the Middle East conflict, officials announced.

The assistance forms part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s continuing support for Filipino workers and their families, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide timely and practical help to Filipinos during times of need. It follows the special benefits package earlier extended to overseas Filipino worker members repatriated from the Middle East.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling said the SAFE Loan is another way for Pag-IBIG Fund to provide practical assistance to members as the government continues to help Filipino families manage the effects of developments abroad.

“President Marcos has directed government agencies to bring timely and practical help closer to Filipino families, especially in times of need,” Aliling said. “In response, Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the SAFE Loan so qualified members may have access to affordable cash assistance for urgent household needs, especially as the effects of the Middle East conflict continue to be felt in fuel, electricity, transport and other daily expenses here at home.”

Aliling said the SAFE Loan also forms part of Pag-IBIG Fund’s broader response to the effects of the situation in the Middle East, following the special benefits package earlier extended to repatriated OFW members.

“We first extended assistance to our repatriated OFW members because they were directly affected by the situation in the Middle East,” Aliling added. “Now, we are also providing added support to qualified members here at home who may feel the effects through their daily expenses. Pag-IBIG Fund is here to provide help that is practical, affordable and within reach.”

While recent developments abroad have raised hopes that tensions may ease, Pag-IBIG Fund said it may take time before fuel prices and related daily expenses return to normal. The SAFE Loan is being offered as practical assistance that qualified members may turn to for urgent household needs. Under the SAFE Loan, qualified members may borrow up to P10,000 or up to 90 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, whichever is lower. 

The loan carries a low interest rate of 5.95 percent per annum and may be paid over one, two or three years, depending on the member’s preferred repayment term. Members with an existing Pag- IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan or Calamity Loan may still receive SAFE Loan assistance. 

The amount they may receive will depend on how much they can still borrow from their Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, so their total Pag-IBIG Short-Term Loans, including the SAFE Loan, remain within the allowed 90 percent limit. 

This gives qualified members another source of assistance during this period. Applications may be filed until Sept. 8, 2026.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the SAFE Loan allows qualified members to get quick and affordable cash assistance for urgent needs, giving them a safe alternative to abusive or high-interest loans.

“We made the SAFE Loan simple and easy to access so our members can apply with greater convenience and receive their loans quickly once approved,” Acosta said. “They may apply through Virtual Pag-IBIG or at any Pag-IBIG Fund branch, and the loan proceeds may be credited directly to their Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus. Its low interest rate, flexible payment terms, and three-month grace period before the first payment make it a more affordable option than many other cash loan options available elsewhere. For a P10,000 loan payable over three years, the monthly payment is as low as P308, giving members a manageable way to address urgent needs without resorting to high-interest loans.”

Acosta also reminded members that paying their loans on time helps keep Pag-IBIG Fund’s programs strong and available to more members who may need assistance.

“Pag-IBIG Fund is built on the savings and trust of its members,” Acosta said. “When members borrow responsibly and pay on time, they help keep our programs available so we can continue providing affordable assistance to more Filipino workers and their families.”

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The Senate is preparing for a special session on Wednesday, June 17, with acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian calling on all members of the upper chamber to attend.

The special session is set to begin at 9:00 AM and is expected to conclude by 4:00 or 5:00 PM.

The session follows Proclamation No. 1318 issued by Malacañang, in which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a special session to take urgent action on priority legislation aimed at strengthening social protection.

Gatchalian issued a statement encouraging all senators, whether from the majority or minority bloc, to attend.

"Nag-issue ako ng statement, encouraging all senators regarding majority or minority to attend," he said.

[Nag-isyu ako ng pahayag, hinihikayat ang lahat ng senador mula sa mayorya o minorya na dumalo.]

The acting Senate president emphasized the importance of passing pending measures and urged his colleagues not to waste the opportunity.

"Well, para sa akin, importante na we approve all of these bills. Huwag natin sayangin yung special session dahil this is an opportunity sa atin na matapos yung mga nabinbin. So, yeah, that's why importante na yung mga senators natin maka-attend bukas," Gatchalian said.

[Para sa akin, mahalaga na maaprubahan natin ang lahat ng mga panukalang batas na ito. Huwag nating sayangin ang special session dahil ito ay pagkakataon natin na matapos ang mga nabinbing bagay. Kaya naman, mahalaga na ang ating mga senador ay makarating bukas.]

Among the measures set to be tackled are the Geriatric Health Bill, the expansion of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education or GASTPE voucher system from Grade 1 to Grade 6, a resolution for additional assistance to earthquake victims in Mindanao, two citizenship bills, and two proposals in the agriculture sector.

Also on the agenda is the long-delayed confirmation of officials at the Commission on Appointments.

"These are very important matters, lalo na yung sa CA. In fact, yung sa CA, lumampas na nga sa time na dapat ibigay natin sa mga generals. But, importante kasi ito, hindi sila mapo-promote at makaka-apekto ito sa kanilang mga gagawin later on. Nakausap ko si Speaker these past few days at committed sila to come in. So full force sila na darating sa CA," Gatchalian said.

[Napakahalaga ng mga bagay na ito, lalo na ang sa CA. Sa katunayan, ang sa CA ay lumampas na sa oras na dapat nating ibigay sa mga heneral. Ngunit mahalaga ito dahil hindi sila mapo-promote at maaapektuhan nito ang kanilang mga gagawin sa hinaharap. Nakausap ko si Speaker nitong nakalipas na ilang araw at committed sila na pumunta. Kaya full force silang darating sa CA.]

Heightened security measures will also be in place inside and outside the Senate in connection with the special session. Gatchalian disclosed that he had met with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police regarding a reported security threat, and that both institutions recommended maintaining heightened security status.

"Yes, so this is in preparation for tomorrow's special session and as well as yung security threat na makukuha natin. So tuloy-tuloy yung aking coordination until malaman natin na wala na ganitong threat or pwede na natin ma-manage yung mga ganitong threat," he said.

[Oo, ito ay paghahanda para sa espesyal na sesyon bukas pati na rin ang banta sa seguridad na ating natatanggap. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang aking koordinasyon hanggang sa malaman natin na wala nang ganitong banta o kaya ay mapamahalaan na natin ang mga ganitong banta.]

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano questioned the declared heightened security at the Senate, noting that access had been restricted even to fellow senators and their visitors in the days prior.

"Nagbigay lang akong notice na Thursday may Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing sa session hall. Biglang may threat na daw pero hindi ma-confirm nung ibang security forces. Pero bukas sa session pwede ng ulit gamitin at pwede tayong lahat. Pero today and yesterday bawal na ang mga senador may bisita. So hindi ba lockdown din yon? Paulit-ulit sila bantayan daw ako. Baka daw padlakin ko yung senado. Eh basically pinadlock na nila eh 'di ba na sino? Sila na nagde-determine pwedeng sinong pwedeng pumasok o hindi," Cayetano said.

[Nagbigay lang ako ng abiso na Huwebes may Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing sa session hall. Bigla na lang may banta raw pero hindi ma-confirm ng ibang security forces. Pero bukas sa session pwede na ulit gamitin at pwede tayong lahat. Pero ngayon at kahapon bawal na ang mga senador na may bisita. Kaya hindi ba lockdown din iyon? Paulit-ulit nilang sinasabi na binabantayan nila ako. Baka raw padlakin ko ang senado. Eh basically pinadlock na nila — sino ba? Sila na ang nagde-determine kung sino ang pwedeng pumasok o hindi.]

Cayetano further alleged that the special session was being used to change the Senate leadership and take control of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

"Special session we continue to discuss but obvious sa amin ang target dito ay kunin ang blue ribbon committee at i-secure yung Senate Presidency," he said.

[Patuloy naming tatalakayin ang special session ngunit obvious sa amin na ang target dito ay kunin ang Blue Ribbon Committee at i-secure ang Senate Presidency.]

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The Ateneo de Manila University has accepted the resignations of Blue Eagles basketball team head coach Anthony Thomas "Tab" Baldwin and team manager Christopher "Epok" Quimpo.

In a statement, University President Roberto Yap SJ thanked both individuals for their service, while reaffirming the institution's commitment to accountability and integrity.

"We will not shield or protect anyone nor will allow the integrity to be compromised. With this, I also must inform everyone that the university has accepted the resignation of head coach Thomas Anthony Tab Baldwin effective immediately. We thank him for the years of service in the Blue Eagles," Yap said.

[Hindi namin poprotektahan ang sinuman at hindi rin namin hahayaan na makompromiso ang integridad. Sa kadahilanang ito, kailangan ko ring ipaalam sa lahat na tinanggap na ng unibersidad ang pagbibitiw ni head coach Thomas Anthony Tab Baldwin na may bisang kaagad. Nagpapasalamat kami sa kanya para sa mga taon ng serbisyo sa Blue Eagles.]

The university also emphasized that it will not cover up for anyone, nor allow any action that would compromise the integrity of the institution.

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Details surrounding the alleged "team building" activity of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players in Aurora on June 8 are slowly coming to light.

According to the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, 22 players and 7 coaching staff of the Blue Eagles left Manila on the morning of June 7 aboard a bus bound for a resort in Aurora province.

CIDG Director PMGEN. Robert Alexander Morico II identified the two players at the center of the investigation as Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, both juniors.

["Rene and Divine, who are both juniors, were at the very back seat of the bus — so it is a Genesis bus which was provided by the university athletics office of Ateneo de Manila."]

The group arrived at Hermanos Leisure and Agri Farm at 3:40 in the afternoon of June 7 and conducted calisthenics activities throughout the day. The following afternoon, at 2:30, the players were allegedly ordered to proceed to the shoreline — approximately 300 meters away from the rented resort.

["Ganon — malayo na yung lugar, wala nang tao after nitong resort na ito. That is where the security guard, who is also the standby lifeguard, last saw them na malayo."]

Based on information gathered, the CIDG has identified the possibility that hazing occurred and that Baterbonia and Adili were the victims.

["This investigation is now turned into a possible homicide investigation or hazing investigation, which possibly involves the violation of Article 249 of the RPC or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. It depends po sa ongoing interview na aming kina-conduct sa mga players."]

Earlier today, only one of the five coaching staff and officers served with subpoenas by the CIDG appeared at their office. The four who failed to appear will be summoned again on Friday, June 19.

["We will issue again another subpoena. Right now, we don't know the purpose of their representation. The lawyers are not present during the incident — they do not have the personal knowledge para makapag-shed light po sila."]

Should those summoned fail to appear a second time, they may be cited for contempt and face charges of obstruction of justice.

Morico named the individuals expected to appear before the CIDG, including team manager Christopher Quimpo, head coach Thomas Anthony Baldwin, and staff members Reynaldo Jacinto and Dean Castanio.

["We will be issuing subpoenas to the team manager of Ateneo Blue Eagles, Christopher Quimpo, Thomas Anthony Baldwin head coach, Reynaldo Jacinto, Dean Castanio. I would like to elicit their appearance to shed light for the interest of justice, otherwise we will be compelled to file separate cases possibly for violation of contempt or obstruction of justice."]

The 22 players who were present in Aurora are also expected to appear before the CIDG in the coming days. Their lawyers have requested that the appearance be moved to Wednesday instead of the original schedule.

["We have talks with the lawyers of the students, and they requested that instead of tomorrow, the clients — the 22 of them — will appear on Wednesday."]

Three former Ateneo players are also expected to appear at the CIDG tomorrow as resource persons.

The foundation that oversees and funds the basketball program is likewise not exempt from the investigation. Morico disclosed that the Ateneo basketball team allegedly operates autonomously and is independently run by a foundation, with Smart Communications handling the program's planning and funding.

["We learned also from the university athletic office that the Ateneo basketball team allegedly is autonomous and independently run by a foundation. The program, planning, and funding is being handled by a foundation, which is Smart Communications."]

While Baterbonia had not yet been formally enrolled at Ateneo de Manila University, the CIDG said this does not shield the university from the investigation, particularly since the school accepted both players and allowed them to stay in its dormitory for several days.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a special session of Congress on Wednesday, June 17, as the Senate continues to grapple with an unresolved leadership dispute.

Under Proclamation No. 1318 issued by Malacañang on Sunday, June 15, Marcos convened the special session to fast-track priority legislation aimed at strengthening social protection, expanding access to education and healthcare, and sustaining support for Filipinos in need.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the development, saying the proclamation directs Congress to act on bills that would bolster social protection, widen access to education and healthcare, and continue support for those in need — including the Anti-Political Dynasty Law.

["Naglabas ng Proclamation Number 1318 ngayong June 15, 2026, kung saan nagpatawag ang Pangulo ng special session sa Kongreso para mapabilis ang aksyon sa mga panukalang batas na magpapatibay sa social protection, magpapalawak ng access sa edukasyon at healthcare at magpapauloy ng suporta sa mga pangangailangan. Nais rin ng Pangulo mapabilis ang paglalabas ng Anti-Political Dynasty Law."]

Among the bills the President wants passed are the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act, amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools bill, amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, and the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program.

The new Senate majority, referred to as the Gatchalian Bloc, expressed full support for the special session. Senator Erwin Tulfo said the caucus had already discussed the matter, citing the volume of pending work that needed to be addressed in plenary.

["So marami tayong mga nakapending. Kailangan-kailangan talagang — ika nga — magkaroon ng special session."]

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri likewise identified health, additional education funding, and aid for Filipinos in crisis as priority agenda items for the session. Both Zubiri and Tulfo also stressed the need to act on pending confirmations before the Commission on Appointments for cabinet, military, and foreign service positions.

["Yun ang kailangan pa ho nating — ika nga — alamin. Pero naintindihan ang pagkaintindi ko, umaga yun kasi sunod-sunod. Sa hapon, meron pong tinatawag na CA. Kailangan po i-convene yung CA."]

The Gatchalian Bloc is also preparing contingency plans in response to possible moves by the group of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on session day. Senator Tulfo expressed hope that the leadership standoff in the Senate would finally be resolved before the session convenes.

["Pinag-uusapan na ngayon ng senior leadership namin kung ano pang gagawin. I don't know, marami pong mangyayari, pero hopefully — hindi na po — siguro baka sabihan na siya before the session na, 'Oh, labing-tatlo na kami' — parang ganon. Bababa na po yan, dahil yun po ang sabi niya. 'Di po ba, pag may thirteen kayo, bababa na po kami — bababa na raw siya."]

When asked whether a formal reorganization could take place during the special session itself, Tulfo said it was possible.

["Possible po yun. Opo. Possible. Baka may mahimasmasan."]

Senator Joel Villanueva, for his part, had already announced his readiness to attend the special session even before Malacañang made the official announcement, vowing to fulfill his constitutional duties.

["Sa pagkakataon po na magkaroon ng special session, tutuparin po natin ang ating sagradong tungkulin sa ilalim ng ating Saligang Batas. We will be there."]

As of this report, the Cayetano Bloc has yet to issue a statement on the special session. The new Senate majority expressed hope that Wednesday's proceedings would be free of drama or delays, with senators reiterating that there is no justification for the Senate to fail the Filipino people.

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