Jasha Gamao

QUEZON CITY—Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga made a defiant return to the Batasan Pambansa on Monday, May 4, reclaiming his seat after serving a 60-day suspension. 

His comeback immediately thrust him into the spotlight as he addressed a wave of pending ethics complaints that could lead to his permanent removal from the chamber. 

Despite the looming threat of an expulsion bid, the congressman remained steadfast, signaling his intent to resume his legislative duties without hesitation.

Barzaga dismissed concerns over his potential ouster, telling reporters he is not worried about the outcome of the House ethics proceedings. 

"Okay lang naman. Even if I lose my job in Congress I’ll be fine since I have plenty of other opportunities in life," Barzaga remarked, suggesting he is prepared for any political fallout. 

While his critics push for more severe disciplinary action, the lawmaker’s blunt confidence sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown within the House of Representatives as his colleagues deliberate on his future in public office.

‍

PASAY CITY—The Senate resumed plenary sessions with a decisive burst of legislative activity on Monday, May 4. Led by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, lawmakers hit a streak of productivity immediately upon their return, successfully passing two landmark measures on third reading and advancing two additional priority bills through second reading. 

The session underscored a unified front, with members moving efficiently through a heavy legislative agenda to address transparency and education reform.

Transparency took center stage as senators voted unanimously, 22-0-0, to pass Senate Bill No. 1432, the "People’s Right to Information Act." A centerpiece of the Marcos administration’s priority list, the bill mandates full public disclosure and enforces honesty within public service. 

In a simultaneous win for the education sector, the chamber also gave its final nod to SBN 1981. This measure establishes the Private Basic Education Voucher Program, effectively repealing the aging Republic Act No. 6728 to modernize government assistance for students and teachers in private institutions.

The momentum continued into the afternoon as the Senate secured approval on second reading for two more high-impact bills. SBN 1894, the proposed Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, moved closer to enactment alongside SBN 1966, known as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act. 

By advancing these measures, the Senate has signaled an aggressive push toward strengthening social safety nets and expanding academic opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.

PASAY CITY—The Senate took a decisive stand on Monday, May 4, targeting the escalating financial strain on Filipino families caused by volatile electricity and fuel rates. 

Senator Erwin Tulfo spearheaded the push for transparency, specifically demanding a closer look at petroleum pricing under the Oil Deregulation Law. 

“This is not about punishing the industry. Transparency is about protecting the public. It builds trust, ensures fairness, and prevents abuse,” Senator Tulfo said in his privilege speech.

Tulfo’s call for accountability comes as global Middle East tensions continue to trigger unpredictable price hikes at the pump, leaving local consumers vulnerable to market shifts.

Moving the initiative into high gear, Senator Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Committee on Energy, officially proposed a formal committee hearing to investigate the pricing structures. 

Cayetano emphasized that the primary goal is to restore market fairness and establish robust protections for households struggling with high utility bills. 

“That is what we are here for as elected members of the Senate. Because legality is a minimum standard, public interest must always be the higher standard that guides us,” the senator said in her privilege speech.

This legislative push signals a direct effort to rein in costs and ensure that energy providers and oil companies operate with greater transparency during periods of global instability.

MANILA—The Ombudsman Graftbusters solidified their status again in the UNTV Cup after securing their second consecutive victory by defeating the PhilHealth Health Insurers, 87-79, at the Paco Arena on May 3. 

The Season 11 finalists controlled the tempo early on, capitalizing on a major blow to PhilHealth when their star center, Alex Noriega, suffered an injury during the opening jumpball. 

Noriega’s absence forced him to the bench for the entire first half, leaving a gaping hole in the Health Insurers' interior defense and rebounding that the Graftbusters ruthlessly exploited to build a steady lead.

Despite the setback, PhilHealth showed immense heart as Noriega staged a gritty second-half comeback. 

He managed to provide a spark with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, but his heroics weren't enough to overcome the disciplined Graftbusters' attack. 

Israel Dela Cruz earned Player of the Game honors, anchoring Ombudsman’s offense with an impressive stat line of 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. 

His steady hand ensured that even when PhilHealth pushed back, the Graftbusters remained composed to clinch the hard-fought win.

MANILA—The NHA Home Masters extended their dominant start to UNTV Cup Season 12, dispatching the GSIS Furies with a convincing 92–81 victory on May 3 at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

This win marks the Home Masters' second consecutive triumph, building on the momentum of their hard-fought opening-day victory against the Judiciary Magis at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. 

NHA displayed sharp execution and superior depth throughout the contest, effectively neutralizing the Furies' offensive bursts to maintain control of the standings.

Alvin Vitug emerged as the night's standout performer, earning Best Player of the Game honors with an explosive 25-point performance. 

After missing the team’s season opener, Vitug made up for lost time by anchoring the NHA offense, adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal to his impressive scoring tally. 

His return provided the veteran presence and scoring punch needed to keep GSIS at bay, proving that the Home Masters are a formidable force to reckon with as the season progresses.