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A few days ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Makabayan bloc lawmakers voiced several concerns to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

According to ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio, the biggest issue that should not be overlooked is the flood control scandal that the President raised during the 2025 SONA. According to the lawmaker, holding the involved individuals accountable seems allegedly selective.

Another issue raised by the bloc was the alleged lack of independent foreign policy because it is always allegedly in favor of the United States, such as permitting the establishment of the Pax Silica Initiative in Central Luzon.

The Gabriela Partylist called for the removal of value-added tax (VAT) and immediate action on rising costs of necessities, such as food and basic utilities (amid reports of consumer overbilling).

The Kabataan Partylist also calls for the end of red-tagging.

On July 27, 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA). The Malacañang Palace previously mentioned that the event will be simple yet dignified.

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The National Bureau of Investigation confirms that they will coordinate with the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the probe involving DPWH Sec. Dizon.

“Well, may binanggit naman na diyan yung Ombudsman. So I will coordinate with the Office of the Ombudsman; what will be the direction?” according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag

[“Well, the Ombudsman already mentioned something about that. So I will coordinate with the Office of the Ombudsman; what will be the direction?”]

The Citizens Crime Watch has expressed support for the National Bureau of Investigation over the probe into the alleged anomaly in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games where the Philippines hosted at that time.

They called on the NBI to proceed with the investigation into the issue even if the case of former BCDA chief and now DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon was previously dismissed. The group cited difficulties in obtaining documents due to strict restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Sa kasamaang palad, nangyari ang pandemyang COVID (at sng kasunod ng lockdown) at labis na nahirapan ang aming mga volunteers na kumuha ng mga dokumento at iba pang ebidensya upang patunayan ang aming mga paratang laban kay G. Dizon," they said

However, Secretary Vince Dizon expressed confidence and readiness just in case he would be summoned, in relation to the investigation.

“May nagkaso na diyan eh laban sa akin, laban sa iba't ibang mga opisyales, pero na-dismiss na yan December 2021 pa. So ano tayo, kampante tayo diyan, pero at the same time, kung merong mga imbestigasyon, kampante rin tayo. Tayo'y ano magco-cooperate dyan,” he said

[“A case was already filed against me, and other various officials, but it was already dismissed in December 2021. So we are confident about that, but at the same time, if there are investigations, we are also confident. We will cooperate.”]

He also emphasized that his conscience is clear and believes that the facilities have been constructed well.

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) emphasized that the upcoming probe over the alleged 2022 flood control project in Taguig City should not be viewed as “timed”.

“Iimbestigahan namin yan, kaya lang since tinanong niyo, baka sabihin niyo timing na naman,” according to NBI Director Matibag

[“We will investigate that, but since you asked, you might say it’s ‘timing’ again.”]

In a social media post, Senator Allan Peter Cayetano addressed the allegation.

“Sa mga taga-Taguig, sa mga lumaban para mapaganda Taguig, wala ng baha sa Taguig ngayon. Konting ulan all over the Philippines, all over Metro Manila baha-baha na, pero sa atin, awa ng Diyos maayos,” he said

[“To the people of Taguig, to those who fought to make Taguig better, Taguig is no longer flooded today. A little rain, and there is flooding all over the Philippines, and all over Metro Manila, but here, by God’s mercy, we’re doing well.”]

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano added that the Department of Public Works and Highways should tell the truth regarding its report on projects in Taguig City.

“Sinabi ni DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, ve-verify nila pag may ghost. I hope hindi siya magpa-pressure and I hope he tells the truth because tatlong beses niya na sinabi sa akin na vinerify nila at walang ghost sa Taguig,” he said

[“DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said they would verify if there are ghost projects. I hope he doesn’t cave to pressure and I hope he tells the truth because he told me thrice and they verified that there is no ghost project in Taguig.”]

Aside from the flood control projects, the NBI will also investigate unliquidated expenses of the Philippine Sea Games Organizing Committee regardless of whether the game is already concluded.

“Ang malinaw ditong binabanggit kasi namin yun sa PHISGOC, yung mga unliquidated na expenses — sa rental. In 2023 may binayaran pa silang rental na mga 300 million eh. So tapos na yung event, may binabayaran pa, then consultancy na almost 400 million,” Matibag explained

[“What is clearly mentioning here is about the PHISGOC, the unliquidated expenses — the rental. In 2023, they paid a rental fee around 300 million. The event was so over yet they’re still paying, then the consultancy  that is worth almost 400 million.”]

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Kinondena ng Estados Unidos ang mapanganib at umano'y escalatory actions ng China Coast Guard sa Second Thomas o Ayungin Shoal kahapon, July 20.

Ayon kay U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton, hindi katanggap-tanggap ang insidente na nagresulta sa pagkakasugat ng isang miyembro ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na sakay ng BRP Sierra Madre.