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D’Lodge Apartments unveils premium residential development in Lagos

D’Lodge Apartments has announced the launch of its new residential development in Lekki Peninsula II, Lagos, as it seeks to redefine modern urban living by offering homes designed to combine comfort, functionality, and long-term investment value.

The development comes amid growing demand for residential properties that go beyond providing accommodation, with homebuyers and investors increasingly prioritising quality design, convenience, and lifestyle in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.

According to the developers, D’Lodge Apartments is strategically located within easy reach of major business districts, educational institutions, shopping centres, and lifestyle destinations across Lagos.

The project comprises one and two-bedroom apartments designed to meet the needs of young professionals, growing families, and property investors.

The developers said the apartments feature contemporary amenities, including open-plan kitchens and expansive panoramic balconies, aimed at enhancing residents’ everyday living experience.

They added that the project reflects a commitment to creating homes that balance aesthetics with practicality while responding to the evolving housing needs of Lagos residents.

‘D’Lodge is more than another residential project. It represents a vision for the future of housing, where quality, intentional design, and contemporary living are no longer luxuries but essential features of every home,’ the developers said.

To make home ownership more accessible, the company said prospective buyers can secure a unit with an initial deposit of ?15 million.

The payment structure also includes a flexible six-month payment plan at zero interest and a 12-month payment option at a flat 10% interest rate, offering buyers greater financial flexibility.

The launch of D’Lodge Apartments adds to the growing number of premium residential developments emerging across Lagos as developers respond to increasing demand for well-designed homes in strategic locations.

Tanzanian boxer eyes last eight spot at Commonwealth Games

The initiative encouraged customers to use Stanbic Visa cards for international travel, online shopping, tuition payments and cross-border business transactions. It also included customer education on the security and convenience of digital payments compaThe victory highlighted Changalawe’s tactical discipline and resilience against a tough opponent, with four of the five judges scoring the contest in his favour.

He now faces another stern examination against regional rival Okaka in a contest expected to be one of the standout light heavyweight clashes of the day.

Unlike Changalawe, Okaka progressed directly to the Round of 16 after receiving a first-round bye, meaning the Kenyan will enter the ring without having fought in the opening round.

His freshness could prove an advantage, although Changalawe will hope the momentum gained from his opening victory works in his favour.

The winner will advance to the quarter-finals and move a step closer to securing a Commonwealth Games medal, making today’s encounter one of the most significant bouts of Tanzania’s boxing campaign.

While Changalawe celebrated victory, it was disappointment for fellow Tanzanian boxer Faki Issa Faki, whose Commonwealth Games journey ended after defeat to Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale.

Faki was unable to cope with Mwale’s relentless pressure, prompting the referee to stop the contest one minute and 49 seconds into the second round. The referee-stopped contest (RSC) result saw the Zambian advance while Faki bowed out of the competition.

Attention will also soon shift to Tanzania’s only female boxer at the Games, Zawadi Amos Kutaka, who faces one of the toughest assignments in the tournament.

Kutaka is scheduled to meet Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh in the women’s 57kg featherweight quarter-final on Wednesday, July 29, at the SEC.

Walsh is one of the most accomplished boxers in Commonwealth Games history. She arrives in Glasgow as the defending women’s 57kg featherweight champion after winning gold at Birmingham 2022.

The Northern Irish star is competing in her fourth Commonwealth Games, having previously won silver medals in 2014 and 2018 before finally claiming gold four years ago.

Her experience and pedigree make her one of the favourites to retain the title.

Despite the daunting challenge, Kutaka will be aiming to produce one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating the reigning champion and booking a place in the semi-finals.

Tanzania is represented by three boxers at the Glasgow Games, and after Faki’s elimination, the country’s immediate hopes now rest with Changalawe in the light heavyweight division before Kutaka begins her quest for Commonwealth glory later this week.

Appeal Court affirms Ondo monarch, Amuseghan as Kalasuwe of Apoiland

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has affirmed the appointment of Professor Sunday Amuseghan as the Kalasuwe of Apoiland and Oba of the Ijaws, dismissing an appeal filed by Prince Joseph Orire David challenging his emergence.

Amuseghan, a retired Professor of English at Adekunle Ajasin University and a member of the Ebeli Idumu Ruling House, was appointed Kalasuwe of Apoiland by the Ondo State Government in 2018.

Dissatisfied with the appointment, Prince David, through his counsel, Omolegbon Odusola, instituted Suit No. HOK/10/2018 before the Ondo State High Court.

He argued that he had earlier been selected by a majority of the nine kingmakers and was only awaiting approval by the Ondo State Executive Council before Amuseghan’s appointment.

In response, counsel to Professor Amuseghan, Chief Sola Ebiseni, raised a preliminary objection challenging both the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court.

He argued that the claimant lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the action because he belonged to the same Ogele Idumu Ruling House as the immediate past monarch, Oba Samuel Adetimehin Oladiran.

Ebiseni contended that the registered declaration governing the chieftaincy recognises only two ruling houses-Ogele Idumu and Ebeli Idumu-and provides for the stool to rotate between them.

Ebiseni, who told the court that the immediate past monarch came from the Ogele Idumu Ruling House, argued that only a candidate from the Ebeli Idumu Ruling House was eligible to contest the vacant stool.

The High Court upheld the preliminary objection and dismissed the suit, prompting Prince David to appeal the decision.

In its judgment, the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice N.U. Okaisabor, with Justices S. Nwaka Gbagi and P.O. Affen concurring, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgment of the High Court.

The appellate court held that both parties agreed the chieftaincy was regulated by a registered declaration made pursuant to the Chiefs Law, which clearly governs eligibility to the stool.

The court ruled that since the appellant admitted he belonged to the same Ogele Idumu Ruling House as the immediate past traditional ruler, he was ineligible to contest the stool under the rotational arrangement and therefore lacked the locus standi to challenge Professor Amuseghan’s appointment.

The court further held that, as an aggrieved party, the appellant ought to have complied with the provisions of Section 13 of the Chiefs Law before approaching the court, a requirement it found he failed to meet.

With the judgment, the Court of Appeal effectively upheld Amuseghan’s appointment as the Kalasuwe of Apoiland, a first-class traditional stool in Ondo State, also known as the Oba of the Ijaws.

EDC remits P20.38M in Q1 power benefits to Leyte LGUs

Leyte and its host local governments are set to receive increased financial benefits from geothermal power generation following the remittance of P20.38 million by Energy Development Corporation (EDC) under the government’s ER 1-94 program for the first quarter of 2026.

The funds were recently turned over to the provincial government of Leyte, Ormoc City and its host barangays, and the municipality of Kananga and its host barangays.

The remittance represents financial benefits based on the electricity generated by EDC’s Leyte geothermal facilities, which straddle Ormoc and Kananga.

Of the P20.38 million remitted by EDC to these local government units, Leyte province received P6.79 million; Ormoc City, P4.39 million; Kananga, P3.52 million; and P5.65 million for the seven barangays and one resettlement area.

Under Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Regulations No. 1-94, power-generation companies are required to provide host communities with financial benefits for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated.

Effective January 2026, the benefit increased to P0.03 per kilowatt-hour from the previous P0.01.

In Ormoc City, the first-quarter allocation will fund the rehabilitation of the learning center in Barangay Cagbuhangin and the installation of solar streetlights in Barangay Catmon. In Barangay Lim-ao, Kananga, funds will support a community stage for socioeconomic and sports activities as well as a proposed view deck to help promote local tourism.

Since 2018, the year the direct-remittance system was introduced, EDC has remitted more than P314.87 million in ER 1-94 benefits for community development projects in Eastern Visayas, based on the previous rate of P0.01 per kilowatt-hour.

The funds have supported infrastructure, rural electrification, health services, flood control, water systems, environmental programs, and livelihood initiatives.

Of the amount, Leyte V Electric Cooperative received P157.44 million for its electrification fund, while Kananga received P54.24 million, the Leyte provincial government P47.23 million, Ormoc City P40.22 million and regional projects P15.74 million.

ER 1-94 was established under Republic Act No. 7638 to provide financial benefits to communities hosting power-generation facilities. The program was later updated to allow generation companies to directly remit funds to host local governments, communities, and electric cooperatives, helping reduce delays in the release of development funds.

The increased rate to P0.03 per kilowatt-hour is expected to provide host communities with substantially higher resources for public services and development projects as long as the Leyte geothermal facilities continue generating electricity.

Addressing high costs of basic goods, electricity tops Senate agenda

Aside from ensuring the timely passage of the 2027 national budget, the Senate will also focus on key priority measures that address urgent concerns of Filipinos, such as the high costs of basic goods and electricity, workers’ low pay, and job security.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said this as he presided over the opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress on Monday.

‘Your Senate stands ready to confront the nation’s challenges with a clear sense of purpose and decisive action. We hear the concerns of every Filipino, and we understand the burdens they face in their daily lives,’ Gatchalian said in Filipino.

‘That is why every measure we pursue must provide concrete solutions to the people’s needs and create more opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations,’ he added.

Saying the national budget is the ‘most powerful tool for stimulating the economy,’ the Senate chief said it is ‘imperative’ that next year’s national budget be passed on time.

‘Its timely passage allows funding to reach critical services and ensures that new projects can begin as scheduled and meet their deadlines,’ he added.

Gatchalian then identified the following priorities of the Senate: the high cost of basic goods, workers’ low take-home pay, expensive electricity rates, inadequate infrastructure and transportation, and job insecurity.

To address the continued rise in food prices, the Senate will prioritize amendments to the proposed Rice Tariffication Law, which was also listed as a priority measure of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac).

The chamber will also ensure that the National Food Authority maintains an adequate rice reserve while protecting the income and livelihoods of farmers, according to the Senate chief.

Another priority of the Senate is the Ginhawa Bill, which seeks to exempt those earning up to P400,000 annually from paying income tax.

‘Its goal is simple: to increase the take-home pay of our workers,’ Gatchalian said in Filipino.

‘We will also raise the tax-free ceiling for bonuses. In addition, we will remove taxes on overtime pay, holiday pay, night-shift differential pay, hazard pay, and service charges,’ he added.

To address the rising cost of electricity, the Senate will pursue two Ledac measures-the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Strengthening bill and the proposed Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act.

Other priority measures identified by Senate leadership, meanwhile, will focus on accelerating infrastructure spending and strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises.

‘The five aspects we have discussed are closely interconnected. Reforms in one area have effects that ripple into others. Strong coordination is therefore essential to ensure that the laws we pass are relevant, coherent, and effective,’ Gatchalian said.

He then proposed the creation of an ad hoc committee ‘tasked with helping drive economic growth, create jobs, and make the cost of living more affordable for every Filipino.’

Palace orders maximum security for Marcos after Sona day explosion

Security for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should always remain at the highest level following an explosion that coincided with the president’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), according to Malacañang.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the president’s protection should not depend on whether a security incident had occurred.

‘Whether there is an explosion or not, the president’s protection should always be at the maximum level,’ Castro told reporters in Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City where Marcos will deliver his Sona before lawmakers.

Asked if security would be tightened after the explosion, Castro said she could not speak on behalf of the Philippine National Police (PNP), but stressed that heightened security was necessary.

‘As of now, I have not discussed it with the president. But definitely, our police should exercise even greater vigilance and strengthen security measures,’ she added.

An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near the entrance of the Department of Justice in Manila early on Monday, hours before a suspected unexploded device was found near the Senate in Pasay City.

The explosion just after midnight, which resulted in no casualties, and the discovery of the second suspected bomb came hours before Marcos delivered his annual Sona in the late afternoon.

There was ‘big possibility or probability that the two incidents are related,’ Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters during an inspection of the police force’s deployment along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

11 Cebu City barangays chosen as pilot areas for Balik-Bote Program

Eleven barangays in Cebu City have been selected as pilot areas for the Balik-Bote Program, a waste recovery initiative launched through a partnership between the Cebu City Government and San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) to encourage the collection and reuse of returnable glass bottles.

Implemented by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) in collaboration with SMB, the program supports the city’s waste diversion campaign by promoting the retrieval of returnable glass bottles for reuse rather than disposal.

The initiative is expected to help reduce the volume of glass waste ending up in landfills while encouraging proper solid waste management at the community level.

The pilot rollout covers the barangays of Apas, Basak San Nicolas, Luz, Carreta, Kasambagan, Mabolo, Tinago, San Jose, Inayawan, Tejero, and Kalunasan.

Under the program, SMB will buy back used returnable bottles of its bottled products, with the purchase price depending on the bottle’s size or milliliter (mL) capacity. The company also urged residents to return bottles that are clean and unbroken.

Mayor Nestor Archival led the launch alongside representatives from San Miguel Brewery Inc., City Councilor Joel Garganera, chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Energy, City Councilor Harry Eran, CCENRO Head Engr. Editha Peros, and Barangay Luz Councilor Nida Cabrera.

During the event, Archival expressed his appreciation to SMB for partnering with the city government and called on residents and barangays to support the initiative.

‘Kani atong gihimo karon in cooperation with San Miguel, salamat kaayo nila, together with the city government ug sa mga barangay. Usa ni sa atong diversion program. This is not that big, pero kung magsugod ta, mag-anam ta kadako. Naa tay mga initiatives nga gihimo, akong gihangyo nga atong pagatabangan [What we are doing today, in cooperation with San Miguel, is something we are truly grateful for. We thank them, as well as the city government and our barangays, for working together on this initiative. This is one of our waste diversion programs. It may not be a big project yet, but if we start now, it will continue to grow. We already have several initiatives in place, and I am asking everyone to support them],’ said Mayor Archival.

The initiative also has the support of San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation (SMYPC), which will accept all types of glass bottles, including non-SMB bottles.

Through the company’s waste exchange program, participants may receive rice or other San Miguel products in exchange for recyclable glass.

City officials said the Balik-Bote Program is part of Cebu City’s continuing efforts to strengthen waste management through partnerships with the private sector and community participation, advancing its goal of building a cleaner and greener city.

Kogi Poly suspends 7 lecturers as students allege increase in misconducts

The management of Kogi State University, Lokoja, has confirmed suspension of seven lecturers over alleged sexual harassment and unauthorized sales of handouts and textbooks to students.

While six of the lecturers were suspended over alleged sales of handouts and textbook to students, one was suspended over alleged sexual harassment of a student.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr John Onimisi, confirmed the suspension of the lecturers following allegations of renewed sex-for-marks, cult activities and other misconducts in Kogi Polytechnic months after a new rector assumed office.

Female students alleged that disciplinary structures established under former Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, have weakened, allowing previously suppressed social vices to resurface.

The students spoke separately on Sunday in Lokoja, requested anonymity because they feared possible victimisation or disciplinary action by the institution.

They alleged that some lecturers now demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.

Two lecturers, from Public Administration and Graphics Design departments, were allegedly mentioned in cases involving demands for between N70,000 and N80,000.

The lecturers were allegedly accused of threatening female students with failure unless they ‘cooperate’ or make the requested payments.

‘Sadly, these things were tamed under the former management, but with the current ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude, the old traits are coming back,’ a student said.

The source further alleged that one lecturer instructed a female student to book a hotel room and pay the bills before a planned meeting.

The student reportedly complained to a management staff member but alleged that she faced intimidation instead of receiving protection or seeing disciplinary action initiated.

‘The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,’ the student said.

Another student alleged that nocturnal cult meetings had resurfaced, citing an incident reportedly observed near one female hostel about two weeks ago.

According to her, the incident occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and was reportedly brought to management’s attention by security personnel.

However, the student alleged that no action had been taken against those reportedly involved in the incident.

The Kogi Poly students also raised concerns over the alleged abandonment of dress codes and compulsory identity cards, alongside the reported return of banned handout sales.

They further complained about a reported increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying the development had intensified financial pressures on students.

One source appealed to Gov. Usman Ododo to intervene, warning that ‘impunity, truancy and indolence have taken over the legacies left behind by the former rector’.

However, Onimisi said Kogi Poly had already begun taking disciplinary measures against lecturers accused of violating institutional rules, citing the suspension of the seven lecturers.

‘The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,’ he said.

The PRO, however, did not specifically address the allegations concerning the reported resurgence of cult-related activities on campus.

The allegations have heightened calls by students and parents for stronger oversight, transparent investigations and decisive action to protect students.

They also urged the institution to strengthen disciplinary mechanisms and restore confidence in the Polytechnic’s ability to provide a safe academic environment.

Marcos’ 2026 Sona: Flood scandal, tax, power reforms take center stage

In his penultimate State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touted his administration’s accomplishments and laid out new commitments, highlighting updates on the flood control scandal and proposed amendments to policies involving tax and electricity.

Based on INQUIRER’s time count, the 2026 address lasted for one hour and 26 minutes, marking the President’s longest yet, surpassing his previous longest speech in 2022 which lasted an hour and 21 minutes.

In this year’s Sona, Marcos opened with what was perhaps the most awaited update involving his administration, directly picking up from his most explosive pronouncement in last year’s address, the ‘Mahiya naman kayo’ (have some shame) remark that triggered a government-wide investigation into alleged ghost flood control projects nationwide.

According to Marcos, since baring the scandal in 2025, the government has already charged and imprisoned contractors, high-ranking officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and even legislators.

The President even directly mentioned his own cousin former Speaker Martin Romualdez’s alleged involvement in the scandal, stating that multiple cases are set to be filed by the Ombudsman against him.

This marked Marcos’ first time addressing the looming charges against his cousin.

‘Masakit man sa akin ito, ngunit kailangan natin gawin ang tama. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya, hindi ako pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo, ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino,’ an emotional Marcos said.

(This may be painful for me, but we must do what is right. I am not the president of my family, and I am not the president of my friends. I am the President of the Philippines, and my duty is to you, my fellow Filipinos.)

Meanwhile, Marcos also bared that over P800 million out of P20 billion worth of ill-gotten assets from anomalous flood control projects were already returned to the government.

Energy and electricity

Another highlight of the speech was Marcos calling for the removal of electricity system loss charges passed on to consumers, stating that it was about time to stop making households shoulder costs stemming from inefficiencies in the power distribution system.

System loss refers to the difference between the power delivered to a distribution system and the actual electricity billed to consumers, driven by technical inefficiencies and electricity theft.

With this, Marcos demanded the immediate amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act or Epira law ‘to prohibit charging systems loss against consumers, including the value-added tax thereon.’

Marcos also sought the Congress’ help in passing the ‘Sariling Kuryente’ Act to make the installation of solar panels and battery storage systems in homes simpler, easier and more affordable.

Furthermore, the President also bared plans to revisit nuclear energy development to reinforce the country’s energy security and reduce rising electricity costs, while vowing to ensure that its implementation will be safe.

This is despite him touting gains in petroleum service contracts, as well as hydrogen power plants and the extension of the Malampaya service contract until 2039.

Middle East and rising costs of fuel

Marcos also directly addressed the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly the surge in fuel prices battering the country since the start of 2026.

In his speech, Marcos claimed that the government ‘did everything possible’ to either lower or slow the increase in the price of fuel.

Among these initiatives, he said, include the purchase and importation of oil from various countries, including Japan, South Korea, Oman, India, Russia and China, and the cooperation of various oil companies, particularly in making sure the implementation of price increases in petroleum was gradual.

He also mentioned the series of large price rollbacks the government set, the three-month-long suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene, as well as limiting the price of imported rice.

Marcos also highlighted the P58-billion fund allocated to local governments, saying it enabled the swift delivery of assistance to those affected by the Middle East conflict.

Reintegration and employment assistance were also made available for returning Filipinos, according to Marcos, adding that the government is currently in coordination with foreign countries to provide support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Taxes

Also related to the impact of the Middle East conflict is Marcos’ announcement of proposed multiple tax relief measures ‘to ensure the continued progress of the middle class amidst the lingering effects of the crisis.’

Marcos said the government will pursue tax relief measures that promote growth, generate revenue and ‘advance equity toward socio-economic sustainability.’

‘As a form of protection and for them to benefit more from their hard-earned earnings, I call on Congress to pass laws that will ease tax burdens,’ he said in Filipino.

Marcos said the government must expand the income tax exemption, exempting more workers from the monthly income tax.

‘We have to include those with an annual income of P350,000 or less,’ he said.

Moreover, Marcos said an amnesty will also be given to unpaid income, estate, donor and value-added taxes, including the fines that come with them.

Racism vs Filipinos, 2016 Arbitral Award

The president also devoted part of his speech to the 2016 Arbitral Award, recognizing the recent celebration of its 10th anniversary and describing it as a ‘definitive benchmark for the interpretation and application of the UNCLOS (U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea).’

Marcos then reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue advancing the award and maintaining the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea against China.

‘Your government will do all that is necessary to continue upholding this Award, utilizing every peaceful and legal means available to the Republic against any attempt, foreign or domestic, to undermine this achievement,’ he said.

Marcos even alluded to China’s recent racist remarks against Filipinos, particularly state-run media China Daily’s depiction of Filipinos as monkeys.

‘Let me remind our friends and our detractors: Filipinos are a noble, kind, gracious, and great race. We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars,’ said Marcos during his 5th Sona.

‘We are respectful, and we are dignified. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield,’ he added.

Other highlights

The address also touched on various other promises and issues, including transportation wherein Marcos vowed that the North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) will start operations by 2027.

He also announced his administration’s goal to usher in more electric vehicles (EVs) on the country’s roads, aiming to reach a point where half of cars by 2040 will be electric-powered.

Due to this plan, Marcos said the government is therefore mandated to support modernization as it is required to integrate EVs in offices’ vehicular fleets.

Marcos also mentioned developments in technology, including the scheduled 2027 rocket launch in Cagayan which will be done in partnership with an aerospace company in South Korea.

The President also mentioned the controversial Pax Silica, hailing it for its supposed economic benefits and describing it as part of the country’s bid ‘to strive for bigger and greater things’ by ‘venturing into areas heretofore unimaginable,’ to position the country in the global value-chain.

According to Marcos, the hub will be a strategic component of the Luzon economic corridor, which will be an ‘advanced manufacturing and logistics center in the global AI and technology value chain.’

It is set to be built at a 1,620-hectare site in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Another highlight was Marcos promising to construct disaster-resilient ‘Ligtas Pinoy Centers’ this year, built to withstand increasingly severe natural disasters.

Marcos said the new evacuation facilities will initially be built in areas frequently battered by severe weather, including Bicol, Eastern Samar, Bukidnon, and Davao de Oro.

In the same breath, Marcos also called for amendments to the National Building Code to bring the country’s construction requirements in line with modern standards.

Another amendment proposed by Marcos involved the 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, with Marcos stating that it is high time for the measure to be updated.

Marcos said the law must now be aligned with modern waste management practices, such as waste-to-energy and waste treatment technology.

In terms of health, Marcos announced that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, known simply as PhilHealth, is set to expand its preventive health program in 2027 to gradually include blood tests and medicines aimed at detecting and monitoring kidney, liver and thyroid conditions, as well as hepatitis B.

Marcos also pledged to complete the distribution of land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries by next year, after more than 400,000 titles covering over 500,000 hectares were distributed in the past four years.

He also likewise committed to completing the ongoing cancellation of agrarian reform beneficiaries’ debts this year.

Marcos also turned his attention to victims of the Tacloban City school shooting, even specifically recognizing Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa and Ayessa Nicole Dazo, whom he hailed as heroes.

‘To the parents of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo: we are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all,’ Marcos said.

‘Their courage and selflessness – true Filipino qualities – are the virtues that these trying times call for,’ he added.

He then ordered stronger efforts to protect children from violence and harmful influences.

Unaddressed issues

While Marcos’ speech tackled several other issues, below are widely-talked about topics the President did not touch upon.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s trial before the International Criminal Court

Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial

Armed Forces’ alleged involvement regarding Sara Duterte’s assassination threat against him

Former Ako Bicol partylist Rep, Zaldy Co and his involvement in the flood control scandal, and his continued evasion

Intrusion of commercial fishing operations into the 15-kilometer municipal waters

Crime rates and the anti-illegal drug campaign

Progress on high-profile cases like the ‘missing sabungeros’ case or the Atong Ang manhunt

Modernization efforts of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council or Ledac Priority bills

2027 budget

Absentees

It was also hard not to notice several absentees in this year’s Sona, particularly that of Vice President Sara Duterte’s, which may be expected amid her political dispute with Marcos in the past two years.

Also-somewhat expectedly-absent, were minority senators, particularly Sens. Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Bong Go, Lorena Legarda, Mark Villar and even his own sister Imee Marcos.

Agri workers’ group warn Pax Silica could worsen land, labor issues

An agricultural workers’ group on Sunday (July 26) opposed the country’s participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative, warning that its planned economic security zone in Central Luzon could worsen land displacement, suppress wages, and cause environmental degradation.

The Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) said the proposed economic security zone under Pax Silica would accelerate land conversion in Central Luzon while threatening food security and exposing nearby communities to environmental risks.

The group’s statement came ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Pax Silica is a US-backed initiative aimed at strengthening supply chains for artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.

Earlier this week, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) signed a memorandum of understanding designating the Subic Bay Freeport as the preferred maritime gateway for the project, while Clark is expected to host the economic security zone.

UMA national chairperson Ariel Casilao said the project would further entrench low wages in rural communities instead of improving workers’ livelihoods.

‘Instead of raising the low wages in rural areas, Marcos Jr. is using them to attract imperialist investors,’ Casilao said.

The group also questioned BCDA’s projection that Pax Silica could generate around 190,000 jobs, arguing that it failed to disclose the quality of employment being offered.

UMA noted that the minimum daily wage in much of Central Luzon stands at P570 for agricultural workers and P600 for nonagricultural workers, far below the estimated family living wage of P1,312 a day.

‘What do Marcos Jr. and the BCDA want-that we should be grateful that rural wages are low?’ Casilao asked.

According to the group, promoting these wage levels as a ‘competitive advantage’ for foreign investors would only reinforce what it described as ‘slave wages’ in the countryside.

UMA likewise raised concerns over the project’s projected demand for water and electricity, saying it could further strain resources amid existing supply challenges.

‘Pax Silica reflects the country’s semi-colonial and semi-feudal conditions,’ Casilao said, urging the government to abandon the initiative.

The government has promoted Pax Silica as part of its strategy to position the country as a hub for advanced manufacturing and secure semiconductor and artificial intelligence supply chains.