Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY—Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo openly voiced his frustration on August 17, over what he called the sudden language struggle of a hostile witness. 

During Day 16 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Tulfo called out former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer Gina Acosta for acting as if she could not understand or speak Tagalog. 

“I have here the transcript of the hearing in Congress. Hindi ko po maintindihan bakit parang dito hirap na hirap po siya mag-Tagalog, when in fact, sa Congress po noong November, Tagalog naman po ang sagot niya,” Senator Tulfo stated directly to the court.  

To back up his claim, Tulfo read records directly from a previous House hearing showing that Acosta previously spoke and understood Tagalog without issue. 

He urged the Senate impeachment court to require the former official to speak in Tagalog to keep the trial moving smoothly. 

He warned that the court's time was being wasted by the witness's sudden change in language.  

Tulfo insisted that the witness drop the act, pointing out that Filipinos across the nation naturally understand the language. 

“Dito po sumasagot naman po siya, English, Tagalog… Tama na po itong panloloko sa atin. Please, Mr. President, compel this witness to talk in Tagalog. Kahit po ‘yung mga Bisaya po nakakaintindi ng Tagalog, nakakasalita ng Tagalog. Ano tayo sa ibang bansa? Ano tayo, mga Hapon, mga Chinese? I know, Ms. witness, you can understand Tagalog, you can speak Tagalog dahil andito po ito,” the Senator stressed.  

Acosta took the stand as the prosecution's first hostile witness. She is testifying regarding allegations of misuse of confidential funds involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

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PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change aggressively probed the controversial Pax Silica project on August 14, 2026. 

Lawmakers zeroed in on the balance between high-tech industrialization and the severe risks of land displacement for farmers and indigenous communities. 

Beyond local land conflicts, senators highlighted critical concerns over water reserves, massive energy consumption, and environmental hazards stemming from potential toxic waste.

Committee Chairperson Sen. Raffy Tulfo used the hearing to issue a firm call for the swift passage of a National Land Use Act to stop unchecked, overlapping developments across the country. 

Tulfo warned that massive ventures in areas like New Clark City expose critical legislative gaps that leave vulnerable citizens unprotected. 

"“The time to act is now. A National Land Use Act will provide a clear framework to balance the needs of development, environmental protection, and social justice. It will empower local governments, promote sustainable investments, and safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable. Most importantly, it will pave the way for a more resilient and equitable Philippines,” Senator Tulfo emphasized.

Senate President Win Gatchalian recognized the industrial potential of the venture, calling it a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to elevate the nation's semiconductor industry into high-value manufacturing. 

However, Senator Gatchalian made it clear that his support hinges on strict constitutional compliance, robust oversight, and secured utility supplies. 

"Habang kino-construct, binubuo po itong Pax Silica, importante po na ang Senado ay magkaroon po ng oversight at masigurado na itong mga risk, itong mga naririnig ho nating mga hinaing eh matugunan ho natin," Senate President Gatchalian noted.

Adding to the caution, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan demanded absolute transparency and complete public disclosure before any deal secures approval. 

Senator Pangilinan stated that while AI integration and high-quality jobs sound promising, economic proposals must prioritize public interest over corporate profits. 

"Ang Pax Silica, dapat nakasentro sa tao, bukas at transparent, naaayon sa batas, responsable sa kalikasan, at tunay na kapaki-pakinabang sa nakararami at hindi pagkakakitaan ng iilan," Senator Pangilinan asserted, warning he will oppose the project if it fails to serve the majority.

To reinforce the need for strict environmental regulation, the Senate panel also targeted ongoing violations at the Chuang Sing steel plant in Pampanga. 

Lawmakers stressed that existing industrial non-compliance proves the necessity of tighter state oversight. 

The committee vowed to maintain a tough stance as it continues reviewing land policies, sovereignty concerns, and corporate accountability to protect local communities.

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MANILA—OP Bagong Pilipinas stunned the crowd at Paco Arena on August 16, pulling off a thrilling 75-73 victory against the COMELEC Vanguards in the UNTV Cup Season 12 Quarterfinals. 

In a high-stakes battle where every possession counted, OP secured their second win of the quarterfinal round and officially punched their ticket to the semifinal stage.

The defining moment came down to the absolute final second of the clock. 

With the game deadlocked, RL Cartel found an opening, caught the pass, and let fly a cold-blooded attempt that caught a friendly bounce off the rim before falling through the net right at the buzzer. 

The dramatic game-winner left the Vanguards stunned as the Paco Arena crowd erupted.

Earning Best Player of the Game honors for his clutch heroics, Cartel finished the contest with 5 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist—none bigger than the final two points that sealed the match. 

His sharp awareness and instant readiness turned what could have been an extra period into an immediate celebration for OP Bagong Pilipinas.

"Pag-bigay kay Enteng ng bola, ready lang ako. Pag libre tira agad talaga," Cartel shared after the game, recalling his mindset before launching the decisive shot. 

With momentum fully on their side following this dramatic walk-off win, OP Bagong Pilipinas now shifts their focus to preparing for a high-octane semifinal showdown.

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MANILA—The AFP Cavaliers officially punched their ticket to the UNTV Cup Season 12 semifinals after grinding out a 62–55 victory over the Judiciary Magis on August 16, 2026, at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

In a high-stakes quarterfinal battle defined by physical defense and tactical execution, the armed forces squad held their composure down the stretch to eliminate their rivals and keep their championship pursuit alive.

Playing-assistant coach Eugene Tan orchestrated the win for the Cavaliers, earning Best Player of the Game honors with an all-around performance of 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. 

Tan’s steady hand on the floor proved vital during key possessions, providing defensive stability and offensive direction whenever the Magis attempted to mount a late-game rally.

Attributing the victory to disciplined execution and team cohesion, Tan emphasized sticking to the game plan under pressure. 

"Focus lang sa laro, enjoy the game, and makinig sa instructions ng coach—napaka-importante kasi nung mga detalye lalo na sa depensa tsaka tulong-tulong kami," Tan stated post-game, praising the entire unit's effort in weathering the intense contest.

With the quarterfinal hurdle cleared, the AFP Cavaliers turn their focus toward the semifinal round as they look to build on their momentum and capture another UNTV Cup title. 

The defeat ends the campaign for the Judiciary Magis, while AFP moves one step closer to the grand finals of the league dedicated to public servants and charity.

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PASAY CITY—The Senate of the Philippines pushed for major reforms on August 12 to protect public welfare and strengthen democracy. Lawmakers moved forward with Senate Bill No. 1511 to stop hospitals from holding patients who cannot pay their bills. 

They also debated Senate Bill No. 2090 to reform the party-list system, while marking National Youth Day by focusing on the future of the nation's 31.6 million young citizens.

Senators focused heavily on expanding the country's feeding program through Senate Bill No. 2272. Sen. Bam Aquino defended the bill and promised to secure funding for learners with special needs. 

"Isa po sa nais naming tutukan, ’yong pagpondo ng SPED," Aquino said, stressing that leaders must give enough financial support to children with disabilities and their families.

Adding to the nutrition debate, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan urged the government to buy food directly from local farmers and fisherfolk to supply the school meals. Pangilinan explained that guaranteed sales would give farmers the confidence to grow more food without fear. 

"Their fear, in many cases, is that they may plant but no one will buy. With guaranteed local procurement, they can invest and produce without that uncertainty," Pangilinan said.

Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joel Villanueva highlighted the economic struggles facing young workers, including falling employment rates. He called on the government to create better job opportunities and guide the next generation. 

"Ang kinabukasan po ng ating bayan ay nakasalalay sa kung paano natin pinahahalagahan, ginagabayan, at binibigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating kabataan ngayon. And so, on this National Youth Day, let us send a clear message to every young Filipino: Nakikita namin kayo. Naririnig namin kayo. Naniniwala kami sa kakayahan ninyong magtagumpay sa buhay," he said.

Lastly, Senate President Win Gatchalian raised concerns about weak political parties during debates on the proposed Party-List Reform Act. 

He warned that political groups in the country still rely too much on famous personalities rather than clear ideas. 

"In short, hindi pa tayo umaabot sa ideal political party system," SP Gatchalian said, cautioning that giving weak parties more power could pose democratic risks.

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