Jasha Gamao

Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga has ignited a political firestorm, calling for House Speaker Martin Romualdez to be the first person investigated in the ongoing hearings regarding anomalous flood control projects. Barzaga, who now identifies as an independent, alleges that the Speaker is not a bystander in this issue, a claim that could shake the very foundation of the House leadership.

Speaking in a recent interview, Barzaga was unequivocal in his stance, asserting that it is "unlikely for the speaker to have no involvement in such a significant issue." While he admits to not having concrete evidence at the moment, he hints at personal knowledge of Romualdez's potential involvement, stating he is "not yet ready to elaborate." The statement has put a spotlight on the legislative body, with many now questioning the extent of the alleged anomalies and who holds the ultimate accountability.

Barzaga's fiery accusations go further, alleging that "everything's under the speaker," including insertions, kickbacks, and commissions tied to the multi-billion-peso flood control projects. His sudden shift from a Romualdez supporter to a member of the minority has raised eyebrows and suggests a deep rift within the political landscape. The congressman’s bold move has set the stage for a dramatic confrontation, potentially leading to further revelations.

The demand for an investigation is a significant escalation and could have far-reaching implications for the House of Representatives. As Barzaga pushes for greater transparency and accountability, the focus shifts to Speaker Romualdez, who is now at the center of a storm of controversy. Whether Barzaga's claims hold up to scrutiny or are dismissed as political maneuvering remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the issue of the flood control projects is far from over.

‍

#𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 | 24 years ago, the World Trade Center fell in a series of horrific terror attacks. Today, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including the brave first responders. We stand in solemn remembrance of the victims and the resilience of a nation that came together in the face of tragedy.

Where were you on this date in 2001?

In a stunning turn of events, a Senate hearing on anomalous flood control projects has erupted into a political firestorm after a key contractor publicly accused several members of the House of Representatives of receiving massive kickbacks.

The testimony, delivered by a witness now seeking protection, has sent shockwaves through the legislative branch and ignited a fierce war of words.

During a nationally televised Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, contractor couple Pacifico and Sarah Discaya claimed under oath that they were pressured to pay a staggering 25% of the total cost of each flood-control project to congressmen in order to secure government contracts. 

The Discayas, whose companies have reportedly won over PHP31 billion in flood control projects since 2022, identified at least 18 lawmakers they claim were involved in the alleged scheme including Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

The couple said that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and legislative staff members repeatedly mentioned the names of House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co as the ultimate beneficiaries of the payoffs. The revelations have prompted a public outcry for accountability and an independent investigation into the alleged corruption that has plagued the nation's flood mitigation programs.

In a swift and coordinated response, the named lawmakers categorically denied the allegations, dismissing the testimony as a politically motivated "demolition job."

House Speaker Martin Romualdez issued a strong denial, calling the Discayas' claim "false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping." 

He emphasized that while Congress approves the budget, it is the Executive branch and its agencies, like the DPWH, that implement projects and disburse funds. "If anyone invoked my name, they did so without my knowledge and without my consent," Romualdez stated.

Similarly, Rep. Zaldy Co, who is currently out of the country for medical reasons, released a statement vehemently refuting the accusations. 

"I vehemently deny all the baseless and irresponsible accusations made against me during the Senate hearing" Co said, adding that he is reserving his right to comment on this matter while 2025 GAA is subject for an impending case before the Supreme Court.

Several other congressmen mentioned by the Discayas also issued their own denials, with some pointing out that the contractors' firms never even secured projects in their districts. The denials highlight the deeply divisive nature of the allegations and the difficulty of proving such claims without more concrete evidence.

As the Senate committee continues its probe, the spotlight is now on whether the Discayas will be granted protective custody and if their sworn statements will be enough to hold powerful officials accountable. 

The hearings have opened a can of worms, exposing a complex web of alleged "ghost" projects and substandard work, and have underscored the public's deep-seated frustration with corruption in government.

‍

A political firestorm has erupted in Batangas's 1st district as Congressman Leandro Leviste and District Engineer Abelardo Calalo trade accusations over alleged bribery and irregularities in infrastructure projects.

The controversy began when Engineer Calalo accused Congressman Leviste of filing a lawsuit against him for his political agenda. In a statement, Calalo claimed the suit was a retaliatory move after he allegedly tried to bribe the congressman to halt an investigation into local infrastructure projects.

However, Calalo vehemently denies the bribery attempt. "For the record, I vehemently deny that I had tried to offer money to Cong. Leviste in exchange for some favor," he stated in a written affidavit, adding that he believes the lawsuit is part of Leviste's political agenda.

Congressman Leviste fired back, urging Calalo to reveal the names of the contractors involved in the alleged payoffs. “Inamin niya nangolekta siya ng pera sa mga contractor para ibigay sa akin, sabi lang niya donasyon ito pero ang pera naman mah kasamang resibo.”

Leviste further challenged the engineer's claim of a "political agenda." He asserted that his true agenda is to "clean up the DPWH in the 1st district of Batangas." Leviste also expressed his desire for Calalo to expose information he knows about other contractors who are involved in irregularities in their district.

The dispute has raised questions about corruption and transparency in public works, leaving many to watch as the conflict between the two officials unfolds.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala made history on September 7, 2025, winning her first-ever WTA 125 championship at the Guadalajara Open. In an exciting and tough final, Eala came back from a slow start to defeat Hungary's Panna Udvardy.

The match started rough for Eala, as she lost the first set 1-6. But our 20-year-old tennis ace showed her fighting heart, a comeback queen in the making. She battled back in the second set, winning key points and staying focused to take it 7-5.

With the match tied at one set each, Eala found her groove. She played with confidence, hitting powerful shots and moving great on the court. She took an early lead in the final set, and even with a short break for her opponent, Eala kept her cool and finished strong. The final score was 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.

This win is a huge step for Eala, and for Philippine tennis. She's now the first Filipino—man or woman—to win a singles title on the main WTA Tour. This victory not only gives her a big boost in her ranking but also adds to a list of amazing achievements this year, including a big win at the US Open.

Alex Eala's journey shows us that with hard work and a never-give-up attitude, big dreams can come true. Her win in Guadalajara is a proud moment for all Filipinos, proving that our athletes can shine on the world stage.

We can't wait to see what she does next!