Dev Flores

PARAÑAQUE CITY – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has inspected flood-prone areas in Parañaque City.

Among the areas, the Secretary noted that the Don Galo Creek and Villanueva Creek need to be dredged. 

“Villanueva Creek at Don Galo Creek kailangang i-dredge,” he said

He added that the water flow in creeks is nearly at a standstill due to the garbage blocking the flow.

Also, the flooding that occurred on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) last weekend may have been caused by blocked drainage due to construction debris or leftover cement from the expressway.

Secretary Dizon noted that the flood subsided in 30 minutes, which he claimed was a good sign, unlike in other areas, where it takes an hour to finally subside.

The agency will conduct declogging operations in partnership with San Miguel Corporation, the operator of SLEX.

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.

The House Basic Education Committee approves the House Bill 4531, seeking to increase the World Teacher’s Day incentive to ₱3,000.

The Department of Finance (DOF) responds, saying:

"The measure might exert pressure to the fiscal space available for other priority education expenditure like classroom construction and rehabilitation, hiring of personnel, digitalization, and learning among others,” according to DOF Dir. Karla Espinosa

The Department of Budget and Management also stated that the allocation would take ₱2.9 billion once the bill is enacted into law.

The Basic Education Committee will prepare a committee report.

PASAY CITY — Atty. Jose Luis Montales has been appointed as the new Senate Secretary today, May 18, 2026.

“Jose Luis Montales is hereby [declared] proclaimed as the Secretary of the Senate,” according to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano

He took his oath during the Senate session before the institution was officially convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Oil prices are expected to climb starting May 19, 2026. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) releases the price adjustments in oil products. Diesel will climb to ₱2.82 per liter, while Gasoline will rise by ₱1.21 per liter. On the other hand, the Kerosene will drop by ₱2.21 per liter.

The adjustment is effective until 25, 2026.

The price adjustment is driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East amidst concurrent peace talks.

With reports from Joan Nano and Asher Cadapan Jr.

Angat Dam water level drops below the minimum operating level, according to DOST-PAGASA.

As of May 18 (8:00 AM), the level has reached 177.79 meters, lower than the 178.07 meters reported on May 17.

The Angat Dam is a primary source of water supply in Metro Manila, provides irrigation in Bulacan and Pampanga, and generates hydroelectric power to feed the Luzon Grid, according to Manila Water.

Once the dam drops below the minimum operating level, it prioritizes to supply water in Metro Manila and nearby locations, according to National Water Resources Board (NWRB) Executive Director, Sevillo David Jr.

Nevertheless, no reduction in water allocation for Metro Manila is expected in the coming days or weeks. However, the NRWB has already reduced water allocation for crop irrigation in Bulacan and Pampanga.