Dev Flores

Batangas 1st District Leandro Leviste calls not to punish 63 members of the House who did not vote for impeachment, noting the welfare of the continents, districts, and sectors.

“Huwag sanang parusahan ang 63 miyembro ng Kongreso na hindi bumoto para sa impeachment. Ito po ay para sa kapakanan ng mga constituents, mga distrito at sektor ng ating mga kasamahan,” he said

[“I hope that the 63 members of the Congress who did not vote for impeachment will not be punished. This is for the welfare of the constituents, districts, and sektor of our fellow members.”]

Leviste also hopes that the budget allocations remain unaffected.

“Para sa aking mga kasamahan dito na hindi bumoto para sa impeachment, sana i-monitor natin na lahat ng mga naibigay sa budget na alokasyon para sa ating mga distrito ay darating at hindi ide-delay ang release dahil lamang sa ating mga boto,” he said

[“For my colleagues here who didn’t vote for impeachment, let us monitor that all budget allocations for our districts are delivered and the release will not be delayed just because of our votes.”]

He also manifested that ordinary Filipinos should not be involved in the repercussions of their representative’s decision regarding the impeachment.

“At sana dahil malambot ang puso ng liderato ng kongreso at ng gobyerno, huwag natin idamay ang mga nanay na nangangailangan ng pang tuition sa kanilang mga anak, ang mga lola, ang mga lolo na nangangailangan ng medical assistance, ang mga magsasaka na nangangailangan ng mga farm to market roads dahil lamang sa boto ng kinatawan ng iilang mga distrito,” 

[“Since the leadership of Congress and the government have kind hearts, I hope we do not involve the mothers who need tuition fees for their children, the elderly who need medical assistance, the farmers who need farm to market roads, just because of the vote of their district representatives.”]

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna confirms that the water sampling results around the Navotas landfill are not good.

“The sampling results were not good, which is why they were issued a notice of violation in terms of violation of the Clean Water Act,” he said

In a press release, the DENR has issued notices of violation to the former landfill operator, Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. (PHILECO).

“Even as environmental indicators trend positively, the DENR confirmed that it has issued Notices of Violation to PHILECO for non‑compliance with Environmental Compliance Certificate conditions, namely: failure to submit a mandatory Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan, failure to install and maintain air pollution control devices and systems such as insufficient number of gas vent pipes, failure to comply with daily soil cover, under P.D. 1586, unauthorized discharges under the Clean Water Act; and failure to complete the Abandonment Plan,” according to the department

Cuna also stated that the water quality might have a significant effect on the marine life.

“Pag di maganda ang water quality, consequently, hindi maganda for marine life,” he said

Hence, the agency’s regional office is coordinating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regarding the concern.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) grants the withdrawal of Atty. Nicolas Kaufman as a legal counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte. 

The grant is made after the decision of FPRRD to change his assigned legal counsel, who will handle his case, crimes against humanity, and will represent him in the upcoming status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026.

British lawyer, Atty. Peter Haynes will take over as the new legal counsel.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirms that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issues red notices to Gerald Bantag, Rafael Dumlao III, and Atong Ang.

Secretary Jonvic Remulla also instructed over 200,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify operations to locate the three wanted personalities. 

“Sabi ko: 200,000 kayo, aylangan namang hindi niyo kayang hanapin tatatlong tao lang, diba? Galingan niyo na,” he said

With the power of Red Notice and the support of foreign authorities, Remulla anticipates intensified manhunt operations for the three personalities.

With reports from Ryan Lacanlale

The Department of Education (DepEd) has conducted a nationwide rollout of Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline on May 11, 2026. 

The helpline has a direct connection with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH).

According to the department, there are Learner Rights and Protection officers in charge of initial assessment and guidance, while coordinating the concern to the concerned agencies. 

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that this initiative is in line with the President’s directive on boosting mental health support for the youth.

“Sa ilalim ng liderato ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, mahalaga sa atin ang bawat mag-aaral kaya nais nating iparamdam sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa at laging may handang makinig sa kanilang pinagdadaanan,” he said via DepEd’s press release

Angara also mentioned that from a student’s home, he/she can seek help through a helpline.

“Walang pasukan, maaaring hindi siya school day or gabi na, tapos may anxiety attack ang bata, pwede siyang tumawag don,” he said

Learners and parents may seek help from the following DepEd Telesafe Helpline:

• #33733
• 0945 175 9777
• weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph

In a previous report, the vacant positions for guidance counselors reached 4,000; one of the factors is the high qualifications to be fit for a certain position, according to the education department.

As a response, the agency plans to hire a Guidance Counselor Associate, which may help to provide mental health support among students.

With reports from Mia Alonzo