Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Basic Education moved to dismantle the nation’s massive 166,000-classroom deficit during a high-stakes public hearing on Monday, February 9. Led by Senator Bam Aquino, lawmakers met with government officials and private stakeholders to streamline construction and maximize the ₱67.9 billion budget allocated for school infrastructure. 

The committee’s primary goal is to shift from bureaucratic delays to rapid execution, ensuring every peso translates into a safe learning environment for Filipino students.

The hearing scrutinized three specific construction modalities: traditional projects led by the DPWH, localized builds through LGUs, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). 

By comparing these methods, the committee aims to identify which process delivers the highest quality at the lowest cost and fastest pace. 

Senator Aquino emphasized that the "right price, process, and timing" are non-negotiable if the government hopes to provide long-term solutions to the unending shortage.

With the funding already secured, the committee set a firm benchmark to launch the construction of at least 26,000 classrooms within the year. This aggressive target serves as the first major milestone in closing the 166,000-unit gap. 

As the hearing concluded, the message to implementing agencies was clear: the budget is ready, the modalities are set, and the urgency of the education crisis demands immediate results.

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QUEZON CITY—Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is aggressively pushing for the immediate passage of the Magna Carta for Barangays, calling the measure a long-overdue necessity for the country's smallest administrative units. 

Speaking before the House Committee on Local Government on Thursday, Dy emphasized that barangay officials are the government’s true frontliners who deserve institutional protection and dignity. 

He noted that these officials effectively function as the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches rolled into one, serving as the first point of contact for every Filipino in need.

Drawing from his personal roots as a former Barangay Captain, Mayor, and Governor, Dy argued that the current support system for local leaders is insufficient given their massive responsibilities. 

"Bilang dating mayor at gobernador, lalo pong tumibay ang aking paniniwala na ang barangay officials ang tunay na frontliner ng ating pamahalaan," said the speaker 

He highlighted their indispensable role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they risked their lives to enforce protocols and deliver aid. 

“During COVID, our barangay officials saved us.” speaker Dy emphasized.

House Bill No. 3533 aims to professionalize the ranks by providing better compensation and benefits for Punong Barangays, Kagawads, SK officials, and volunteer personnel who often work around the clock without adequate security.

The proposed legislation also mandates the standardization of basic facilities, such as functional barangay halls and health centers, to ensure that governance is felt at the grassroots level. 

Dy expressed high optimism that the 20th Congress will finally pass the bill, asserting that strengthening the barangay is the fastest way to bring the government closer to the people.

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QUEZON CITY—Congressman Leandro Legarda-Leviste stunned the public today by claiming he holds explosive evidence of kickbacks within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that surpasses the controversial "Cabral Files." 

Leviste revealed that administration representatives pressured his mother to have him leave the country to prevent the release of these documents. Despite the alleged intimidation, the lawmaker confirmed he has already prepared video testimonies and digital files to ensure the truth surfaces regardless of any threats to his personal safety.

The Congressman directly challenged the current leadership, naming Secretary Bonoan and former Undersecretary Bernardo while urging other cabinet officials to break their silence on anomalous projects. 

Leviste clarified that his decision to withhold the evidence momentarily is based on strategic advice, waiting for a "proper time" when whistleblowers feel sufficiently protected by public support. 

He issued a sharp warning to Palace spokesperson Undersecretary Claire Castro suggesting that any denials of his statement would force him to name the representatives involved.

Refusing to be intimidated by what he described as "baseless accusations" and smear campaigns, Leviste emphasized that the truth will emerge whether he is "alive or otherwise." 

He expressed grave concern for the safety of potential witnesses, citing past instances where informants met mysterious ends. 

To counter this, he urged those with knowledge of corruption to secure their affidavits and recordings with trusted individuals, ensuring that no amount of cover-up can permanently bury the evidence of systemic bribery.

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PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate formally recognized the nation's sporting heroes on Wednesday, February 4, adopting Senate Resolution No. 35 to celebrate a powerhouse performance at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. 

Lawmakers hailed the Philippine contingent for their relentless drive, which resulted in a massive haul of 277 medals. This historic achievement firmly cements the Philippines' reputation as a dominant force in regional athletics and a breeding ground for world-class talent.

The Filipino delegation stormed the podium throughout the games, securing 50 Golds, 73 Silvers, and 154 Bronzes to finish sixth in the overall medal tally. 

Senators emphasized that this success is more than just a numbers game; it represents the grit and heart of every athlete who donned the national colors. The resolution serves as a formal "thank you" from the state, acknowledging the immense pride these competitors brought to the country on the international stage.

Beyond the athletes, the upper chamber also passed SRN 286 to credit the strategic engines behind the victory. The Senate commended the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for their critical leadership and logistical support. 

By honoring both the competitors and the sports bodies that backed them, the Senate underscored the importance of a unified sports program in driving the Philippines toward future Olympic-level success.

Albuera Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa turned himself in to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) early Thursday morning, pre-empting a high-stakes manhunt. 

The surrender follows a no-bail arrest warrant issued by Cebu City Judge Merlo Pasco Bagano in connection with a murder case involving Espinosa and four co-accused. 

After disappearing from public view on January 20 citing a "security-induced" leave, the Mayor opted for a proactive surrender, urging his supporters to pray for his safety as he entered federal custody.

The legal move has reignited a firestorm of controversy, with Espinosa’s camp dismissing the charges as a blatant political maneuver. Drawing a chilling parallel to the 2016 death of his father, the late Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. who was killed in a controversial jailhouse shootout.

The younger Espinosa signaled that his life remains in imminent danger. "We will not wait for them to serve the warrant," the Mayor stated, framing his surrender as a strategic move to avoid a violent confrontation with law enforcement.

Despite the gravity of the murder charges, Espinosa insists that governance in Albuera will not grind to a halt. While Vice Mayor Mariel Marinay continues as acting mayor, Espinosa assured constituents that flagship projects, such as the construction of the new municipal hospital, remain on track. 

The Mayor remains behind bars under NBI supervision, awaiting the next stage of a legal battle that threatens to dismantle his political dynasty.