Abbey M.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stood firm that a large part of the flooding problem in cities is rooted in improper waste disposal.

This follows concerns from some residents along Quirino Avenue about the possible worsening of flooding due to trees that were cut down in the area for the upcoming Southern Access Link Expressway Project.

In a statement, DENR Acting Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna said proper waste disposal is key to addressing the flooding problem.

"Ang kailangan natin gawin para mabawasan ang baha ay magtapon tayo ng basura ng maayos. That's what we have to do. Because year in and year out kausap namin ang MMDA, may mga clogged mga drainage natin dahil sa basura. That's one of the main causes ng mga flooding," Cuna said. 

(What we need to do to lessen the flooding is to dispose of our garbage properly. That's what we have to do. Because year in and year out, we talk with the MMDA, and our drainage gets clogged because of garbage. That's one of the main causes of flooding.)

The agency further explained that while some low-lying areas are naturally prone to flooding, the situation worsens due to the lack of discipline in waste disposal.

The DENR called on the public to be part of the solution to the flooding problem.

Meanwhile, amid the issue of tree cutting, the DENR said the wood from the felled trees will not go to waste, as there are plans to convert them into chairs and tables for schools under the Department of Education.

According to the agency, they are already coordinating with DepEd and TESDA to process the wood and use it in producing school furniture.

In another statement, DENR Acting Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna explained the arrangement.

"So that's another arrangement and coordination with DepEd para sa mga school chairs and tables at tumutulong rin ng TESDA in that aspect para turuan rin yung mga tao kung paano to construct these chairs and tables which as you know we have a shortage of. So doon po wala tayong problema doon," Cuna added. 

(So that's another arrangement and coordination with DepEd for school chairs and tables, and TESDA is also helping in that aspect to teach people how to construct these chairs and tables, which as you know, we have a shortage of. So we have no problem with that.)

The agency also denied claims that decisions on the widespread cutting of trees were made without proper consideration, including reports that the DENR allowed tree cutting in Palawan.

DENR Acting Secretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna acknowledged the difficulty of the agency's mandate.

"Masakit na tungkulin po namin mag-issue ng tree cutting permit dahil we're the ones supposed to be ensuring na kumakapal ang forest cover natin but at the same time kami ang naatasan sa ilalim ng batas na mag-issue ng tree cutting permit for whatever purpose. Private property, whether it's in public land, kami pong naatasan. Hindi ko po masisisi ang publiko kung magalit o hindi maganda ang dating sa kanila ng mga nangyayaring ganito, but in this, pinag-daanan natin ang mitigation hierarchy,"

(It is a painful duty for us to issue tree-cutting permits because we are the ones supposed to ensure that our forest cover thickens, but at the same time, we are mandated under the law to issue tree-cutting permits for whatever purpose. Private property, whether on public land, we are the ones mandated. I cannot blame the public if they get angry or if these incidents do not sit well with them, but in this, we went through the mitigation hierarchy.)

DENR reminded the public that addressing environmental concerns such as flooding and garbage is not solely the responsibility of the government, but of every citizen.

Several important agreements between the Philippines and Japan were signed during the four-day state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The memoranda of understanding signed between the Philippines and Japan covered digital finance, connectivity, smart city technology, AI and data systems, as well as digital services.

President Marcos met with various Japanese companies, with investments in the Philippines expected to bring more jobs, better connectivity, and robust infrastructure.

The investments are also expected to bring more opportunities for Filipinos.

For several decades, many Japanese companies have been part of the growth of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the state banquet hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace.

The long-standing relationship between Japan and the Philippines was once again reaffirmed during the event.

The Philippines recognized Japan's important role as one of its most valued partners, particularly in the areas of development, security, infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, and resilience.

Former Senator Francis Tolentino has taken his oath as the new Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following the resignation of former Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) welcomed Tolentino's appointment, saying it hopes the move opens a new chapter of more honest, open, and meaningful dialogue between workers, DOLE, and the Marcos administration.

The group also urged the new secretary to immediately address the long-standing calls of workers, including higher wages, job security, the end of endo or contractualization, and full respect for workers' rights.

The new Labor Secretary assured the public that he will work to implement all laws to uplift the dignity of the Filipino worker.

"Ako po ay nagbabalik sa national government para tumulong palakasin ang hanay ng mangagawa at palakasin ang ating ekonomiya."

(I am returning to the national government to help strengthen the ranks of workers and strengthen our economy.)

Meanwhile, Palace Press Office Undersecretary Claire Castro relayed President Marcos Jr.'s confidence in Tolentino's capability to lead the labor department, citing the new secretary's track record in handling key positions in both local and national government.

"Tiwala si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na mapamumunuan ni incoming Acting Secretary Tolentino ang DOLE dahil sa kanyang kakayahan at malawak na karanasan sa paghawak ng mahahalagang tungkulin sa pamahalaan— lokal o nasyonal."

(President Marcos Jr. is confident that incoming Acting Secretary Tolentino will be able to lead DOLE because of his capability and extensive experience handling important positions in government — both local and national.)

Lack of merit.

This was the reason stated in the Supreme Court's decision for denying the request of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's camp for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).

What does this mean?

In the Supreme Court En Banc resolution made public yesterday, the Court explained its reason for dismissing Sen. Dela Rosa's application for a TRO.

The petition sought to prevent government officials from arresting or detaining the senator based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) without a corresponding arrest warrant from a Philippine court.

According to the SC, the lawmaker failed to establish all the requirements to be granted a TRO. The Court said he was unable to prove that he has a clear right that must be protected by law at present.

The rights he is asserting are considered "contingent," or dependent on the Court's eventual ruling on deeper issues — such as the validity of the ICC warrant following the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute, and the President's power to enforce it.

Based on previous decisions, an injunction is not used for rights that are not yet certain or are "doubtful."

The Court said there is no evidence of an actual or material attack on Sen. Dela Rosa's rights.

The SC emphasized that the senator was placed under "protective custody" by the Senate, which itself prevented any attempt to arrest him.

The Court also cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement on May 13, 2026, in which he said he has not issued any order to arrest the senator.

Because the existence of a legal right at this point was not established, the Court said there is also no "irreparable injury" or harm that cannot be remedied that could occur.

The Court noted that the "Very Urgent Manifestation" filed by Sen. Bato was full of unverified reports and allegations.

The SC stressed that it is not a "trier of facts" and cannot issue a TRO based only on "speculative" situations.

The main petition of Dela Rosa and former President Rodrigo Duterte for certiorari and prohibition remains pending, but they were not granted temporary protection while the case is being heard.

Plunder and technical malversation charges have been formally filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

The complaint stems from the transfer to the National Treasury of PHP 60 billion in PhilHealth funds and PHP 107 billion in reserve funds of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

Complainant and public health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon said the fund diversions took place in 2025, when Recto was still serving as Finance Secretary.

Dr. Leachon said this is not only a legal issue but also a moral one, as the PHP 60 billion taken from PhilHealth could have saved lives, supported hospitals, and restored dignity to poor families.