Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY – Senator Risa Hontiveros responded on Wednesday, February 18, following Vice President Sara Duterte’s official announcement of her entry into the 2028 presidential race. 

Embracing the early start of the political season, the Senate Deputy Minority Leader emphasized that the upcoming elections are ultimately a matter of choice for the Filipino people. 

Hontiveros, who has emerged as a key opposition figure, appeared unfazed by the Vice President’s declaration, signaling that the democratic process thrives on competition and diverse options for voters.

While she is considered a potential challenger to the Duterte camp, Hontiveros maintained that her specific role in 2028, whether running for president or vice president, would depend on the consensus of a united opposition. 

Invoking the concept of "free will," the Senator urged Filipinos to exercise it in shaping the country’s future. 

“Sabi ng mga paborito nating mga philosophers, tayo ay may free will, gamitin natin.” Hontiveros said.

"Our favorite philosophers say we have free will, let’s use it," she added, positioning herself as a ready alternative as the political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections begins to take shape.

MANILA – Malacañang brushed off Vice President Sara Duterte’s formal announcement of her 2028 presidential bid, saying it was long expected. 

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified in her press briefing on Thursday, February 19, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains undeterred by the development. 

"Hindi naman po kasindak-sindak 'yung paga-announce na siya ay tatakbo sa pagkapangulo dahil ramdam na ramdam na po, even before, ang kanyang pangangampanya sa labas.” Castro said.

She added that the Vice President’s intentions had been clear for some time, making the official declaration more of a formality than a surprise.

“So, hindi po nakakagulat na siya ay mag-announce na siya’y tatakbo.” Castro continued.

"Therefore, it is not alarming that she announced that she will run [for President],” Castro told reporters, emphasizing that the Palace had long observed Duterte’s active movements across the country. 

According to the Press Officer, the Vice President’s "campaign-like" activities on the ground were evident well before the announcement, removing any element of surprise. 

The Palace stressed that the administration remains focused on its current mandate despite the early stirrings in the political landscape.

PASAY CITY – Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform took a major step on Wednesday, February 18, to address years of systemic neglect, tackling a suite of bills aimed at protecting Filipino small-scale fishermen. 

The hearing highlighted a dual-front crisis: continued harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard and illegal encroachment by large Philippine commercial vessels into municipal waters. 

Lawmakers stressed that these "frontline heroes" of food security have long endured from both foreign aggression and local industrial overreach, underscoring the need for a legislative shield to restore their livelihood and dignity.

To deliver immediate relief and long-term structural change, the committee discussed the Municipal Fisherfolk Protection Act and the Pantawid Pambangka Act, which seeks to provide essential fuel subsidies amid rising costs. 

The legislative package also includes the Bantay Dagat Welfare and Incentives Act to strengthen local sea patrols, and a proposal to elevate the current fisheries bureau into a full-fledged Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. 

By amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the Senate aims to institutionalize these protections, ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable sector receives not just temporary aid, but a permanent voice at the economic table.

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Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte issued a blistering rebuke of former Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto III on his Facebook account on Saturday, February 14, accusing the veteran lawmaker of undermining judicial independence through "selective" standards. 

Duterte slammed Sotto’s recent criticisms of the Supreme Court, particularly the “impeach the justices” rhetoric, labeling the shift from aggressive threats to mere “disagreement” as a convenient political pivot. 

“Separation of powers is not optional, dili ni buffet nga pili-on lang nimo kung unsay lami.” Congressman Duterte said. 

“Separation of powers is not optional; this isn't a buffet where you only pick what tastes good.” Congressman Duterte said

Duterte remarked, emphasizing that the judiciary is not a Senate committee where rulings can be grilled or dismissed simply because they are unpopular with legislators.

“The judiciary is not your committee hearing nga pwede nimo i-grill kung di ka ganahan sa ruling.” The lawmaker added

“The judiciary is not your committee hearing where you can just grill if you don’t like the ruling.” The lawmaker added

The lawmaker further challenged Sotto’s constitutional mastery, arguing that dismissing legal challenges as “nuisance suits” displays irritation rather than legal insight. 

“Calling it a “nuisance suit” doesn’t make you sound constitutional. It makes you sound irritated and ignorant.” The representative said.

Duterte pointed out that respecting the Constitution requires honoring the Supreme Court’s role as its final interpreter, regardless of political standing. 

“The texts and provisions mentioned therein, it  also stretches to the interpretations made by the Supreme Court being the office empowered to interpret it.” Congressman Pulong argued. 

He warned that "free speech" does not grant immunity from the consequences of flexing political pressure against the Court, concluding that if Sotto wishes to be viewed as a statesman, he must act like one rather than treating the high court as an extension of the Senate floor.

“The Senate floor. And “free speech” doesn’t mean freedom from consequences.“

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Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala secured her spot in the Round of 32 at the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships on yesterday, February 15, after American opponent Hailey Baptiste was forced to retire due to an abdominal injury. 

Eala showcased a commanding performance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, clinching a hard-fought first set 6-4 before Baptiste withdrew early in the second frame. 

While the 20-year-old Filipina expressed her sympathies for the injured American, the victory propels her forward to a high-stakes second-round encounter against world No. 8 and tournament sixth seed Jasmine Paolini.

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