Author: user user

Kenyan runners shine as NBC Marathon raises Sh 1billion

Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba yesterday led more than 13,000 participants at the 2026 NBC Dodoma Marathon, praising the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) for mobilising Sh1 billion to support healthcare programs aimed at saving the lives of mothers and children across Tanzania at the Jamhuri Stadium.

The seventh edition of the marathon attracted runners from Tanzania and abroad, cementing its position as one of the country’s biggest sporting and charity events that combines athletics with social impact.

The funds raised through the event will support three key healthcare initiatives: reducing maternal and newborn deaths during childbirth, financing corrective heart surgeries for children with congenital heart conditions, and expanding bone marrow transplant services for children living with sickle cell disease. Dr Nchemba joined senior government officials, leaders from public institutions and private sector organisations in the five-kilometre fun run, using the event to encourage Tanzanians to embrace physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Speaking during the awards ceremony, the Prime Minister commended NBC for demonstrating how partnerships between the government and private sector can create meaningful social impact.

He said the growth of the marathon from 1,500 participants in 2020 to more than 13,000 registered runners in 2026 reflects Tanzania’s growing sports culture and increasing awareness of the importance of exercise. ‘The NBC Dodoma Marathon has become much more than a road race. It is now a national platform that brings together Tanzanians and international friends to support a greater cause-saving lives,’ said Dr Nchemba. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Dodoma’s road infrastructure, saying better roads would support transportation and create safer routes for future marathon participants. Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule praised NBC for its continued investment in health, sports and community development, describing the marathon as an important economic driver for the region.

NBC Managing Director Theobald Sabi said the event represents the bank’s commitment to ensuring business growth translates into tangible benefits for communities.

He announced that Sh600 million from the funds raised would immediately be directed to three flagship health programs through leading medical institutions. During the ceremony, Dr Nchemba and Sabi presented Sh200 million cheques each to the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation for its midwives sponsorship program, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) for children’s heart surgeries, and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital to strengthen bone marrow transplant services for children with sickle cell disease. ‘These achievements reflect our commitment to ensuring that business growth goes hand in hand with improving people’s lives,’ said Sabi.

He thanked participants, sponsors and partners, including Sanlam Allianz, GSM Group, Vodacom Tanzania and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), for supporting the event. Kenya’s Edwin Koech won the men’s 42-kilometre Full Marathon after clocking 2:05:12, ahead of compatriot Vitalis Kibiwott, who finished in 2:12:18. In the women’s Full Marathon, Agnes Ngolo of Kenya emerged victorious in 2:32:36, followed by fellow Kenyan Jacinta Chepkoech, who recorded 2:33:26.

Both Full Marathon champions received Sh11.5 million, while the top 10 finishers in the men’s and women’s categories were rewarded with cash prizes.

In the men’s 21-kilometre Half Marathon, Tanzania’s Bernard Geay claimed first place after finishing in 1:02:46, followed by Kenya’s Simon Kelenzoke in 1:02:57, while Michael Geay of Tanzania took third place in 1:02:59.

Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri won the women’s Half Marathon after crossing the finish line in 1:08:59, ahead of Kenya’s Doreen Chetzop, who clocked 1:10:36. The Half Marathon champions received Sh5.5 million each, while runners-up took home Sh2.5 million.

House panel eyes tax relief for middle class

The House of Representatives’ ways and means committee plans to conduct a ‘comprehensive review’ of the country’s personal income tax regime, Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, who chairs the panel, said on Sunday, in a move aimed at delivering financial relief to middle-income Filipino earners.

In a statement, Quimbo said the chamber’s tax panel would tackle pending bills aimed at recalibrating the Philippines’ income tax brackets, including its tax-exempt threshold and exemption of bonuses and allowances to ‘better reflect today’s economic realities.’

He gave no further details about when his committee would meet or what bills would be discussed. But at least two related measures are listed as pending on the congressional website.

‘Eroded purchasing power’

‘Our task in the next year and a half is to recalibrate the system as a whole-grounded in fairness, efficiency and credibility,’ Quimbo said.

Persistent inflation has spurred the committee to review the income tax system, according to Quimbo.Inflation stood at 6.4 percent in June, easing from May’s 6.8 percent print, according to Philippine Statistics Authority data.

Price gains have breached the central bank’s 2 to 4 percent target since March, driven by oil shocks from the Middle East war, which has spiked fuel, electricity, and food costs.

‘The current personal income tax brackets took effect in 2018. Since then, inflation has significantly eroded purchasing power,’ the lawmaker said, noting that middle-income Filipinos have borne the brunt of the current tax structure under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (Republic Act No. 10963).

‘For a salaried worker, earning between P30,000 [and] P80,000 a month – the core of our urban middle class – this has meant that nominal income increases are often eaten up by higher living costs,’ he said.

Fair taxation

The price pains have also come against the backdrop of a sputtering economy which registered a weaker-than-expected 2.8 percent in the first quarter.

Quimbo said the committee’s review of income tax bracketing aims not only to bolster household spending but also to sustain economic growth and to ensure fair taxation without disrupting collections.

‘The forthcoming hearings on personal income taxation will focus on the middle-income segment,’ he said. ‘They are compliant taxpayers but do not benefit from exemptions nor receive ‘aid’ while bearing a disproportionate share of withholding taxes.’

Lawyers drag Tinubu, AGF, others to Court over alleged threat to Peter Obi’s life

Lawyers operating under the aegis of the Obident Lawyers Forum have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order President Bola Tinubu to compel the police, Department of State Service (DSS), and others to give special protection to the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 election.

The legal practitioners informed the court that their appeal has become imperative so as not to make Peter Obi a victim of political assassination before and during the 2027 general electioneering process.

The request was contained in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1648/2016, instituted against Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General (DSS), and the Governor of Edo State.

Plaintiffs in the suits filed on Monday predicated their request on a statement credited to Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to the effect that Obi’s life and security would not be guaranteed in Edo State if he enters the state without getting approval from the governor.

The Obident lawyers represented by Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi and Joseph Enemona Ameh instituted the fundamental rights suit on behalf of Peter Obi, in which they prayed the court to issue an order that Peter Obi has the fundamental right to freedom of movement without any hindrance.

Among other reliefs, they asked the court to declare Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental right to life and the right to live without any fear, discrimination, threat of assassination, intimidation or any form of harassment whatsoever, as guaranteed in section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

In addition, they urged the court to declare that Peter Obi must not be subjected to politically motivated coercion, threat to life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever by any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any authority, person, individual, or group agent/agency of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional state on the grounds of his political ideology, ethnicity, and religion; or for any reason whatsoever.

Others are ‘A declaration that Mr. Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental rights of free ingress and egress into any of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT, and can freely move around, enter, visit, stay, reside, inhabit and organize, attend and host his political campaign rallies, consultations, seminars, groups meetings and carryout his lawful activities in any part of Nigeria, without fear of assassination, threat to his life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever, by any Arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or government of any sub-regional State, as guaranteed in sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘A declaration that the threats by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr. Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile politicking, and power-drunkenness.

‘A declaration that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the constitutional mandate/responsibility to provide adequate security of life and property to the citizens, which is the fundamental reason/purpose/objective of every government; and the President has the constitutional responsibility as Commander in Chief to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Obi and all other presidential candidates’.

Plaintiffs further urged a declaration that the laws setting up the security agencies mandate and empower the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents to provide adequate security to the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against all criminal activities aimed at depriving citizens of their properties or lives.

They asked the court to make an order ‘compelling, directing, and mandating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all other Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and all other 2027 presidential candidates.

‘An order compelling, directing and mandating the 3th, 4th and 5 Respondents to immediately provide maximum security personnel to Physically Protect and Provide Security Intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the NDC 2027 Presidential candidates’.

In an affidavit deposed in support of the suit, the plaintiffs stated that the application was brought on behalf of Mr Peter Obi, pursuant to Paragraph 3 (e) of the Preamble to the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.

‘That the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, said in a recent live podcast that ‘he may not be alive to contest next ‘year’s presidential election.’

While claiming that Obi has been subjected to serious psychological torture and trauma by the numerous threats to his life and this is detrimental to his constitutional rights, the deponent argued that no person or authority or any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional State, has the powers to restrict or refuse any citizen from entering and exiting any part of Nigeria to carry out his lawful activities as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘That the 6th Respondent, the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, Senator Monday Okpebholo, threatened Mr Peter Gregory Obi not to enter Edo State without his permission and that Mr Peter Gregory Obi’s life and security is not guaranteed in Edo State. A computer-generated printout of the news report is herein pleaded and exhibited as Exhibit 3.

‘That the threats by the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty, not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile-politicking and power-drunkenness.

‘That the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, sued as 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents, have constitutional and statutory responsibilities to provide adequate security of life and properties of the citizens.

‘That the constitutional rights guaranteed in Chapter Four of the 1999 constitution are inalienable and cannot be taken away under any guise.’

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

’The Odyssey’ earns $87M on second weekend, Nolan’s best second weekend yet

‘The Odyssey’ continued to exert a mighty hold on moviegoers in its second weekend in North American theaters, with $87 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. That’s only a 30% drop from its first weekend, an incredibly modest slide for a blockbuster. It’s also filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s best second weekend ever, not accounting for inflation. In 2008, ‘The Dark Knight’ earned $75.2 million in weekend two.

‘That would be an impressive opening weekend for any film,’ said Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak’s head of marketplace trends. ‘This is a testament to the outpouring of excitement and enthusiasm that moviegoers are having for Christopher Nolan’s latest epic.’

With $128.3 million from international theaters, ‘The Odyssey’ has made an estimated $639.6 million globally. Theaters around the world are adding showtimes to try to meet the demand, Dergarabedian said.

As with last weekend, much of that sum is from premium large format screens. IMAX screens alone accounted for $48 million of the global earnings this weekend. The coveted 70 mm IMAX screens, of which there are only 41 worldwide, earned $5.2 million. Most of those showtimes are sold out through September, the company said.

There was no significant new competition this weekend or last. Regardless, the second weekend earnings is rare for a movie that opened over $100 million. For an R-rated movie, it’s second only to ‘Deadpool and Wolverine.’

But the open waters will become a little more crowded next weekend when audiences get another blockbuster option with ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ which shares actors Tom Holland and Zendaya with ‘The Odyssey.’ Some analysts say that ‘Spider-Man’ could net the biggest opening weekend of the year. Still, Nolan’s film will have its run of most IMAX screens for weeks to come.

Second and third place went to Disney releases, ‘Moana,’ with $10.5 million, and ‘Toy Story 5’ close behind with $10 million. The latter surpassed $1 billion in its fifth weekend, with $448 million from domestic theaters and $573 million from international screens. It’s the sixth Pixar film to hit the milestone.

Bleecker Street’s release of ‘Hadestown: The Musical,’ a live stage recording of the show, rounded out the top five with $9.7 million in its first weekend. The hit Broadway show uses folk and jazz to tell an ancient Greek tale.

Olivia Wilde’s chamber dramedy ‘The Invite’ also continues to do well in its platform release, with another $2.6 million that brings its running total to $19.8 million.

The year overall is running about 10% ahead of last year, and the summer box office this weekend surpassed $3 billion. Before the pandemic, the summer movie season would regularly exceed $4 billion. The only other time it has since was the ‘Barbenheimer’ in 2023. Dergarabedian is cautiously optimistic that it could be within reach this summer too.

‘That’s a pretty heavy lift for August, but this could be a mega August given the staying power of ‘The Odyssey’ coupled with ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ he said. ‘For `The Odyssey’ it’s a marathon, it’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon run that’ll play well into August.’

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak:

‘The Odyssey,’ $87 million.

‘Moana,’ $10.5 million.

‘Toy Story 5,’ $10 million.

‘Minions and Monsters,’ $9.7 million.

‘Hadestown,’ $9.6 million.

‘The Invite,’ $2.6 million.

‘Evil Dead Burn,’ $2.6 million.

‘Young Washington,’ $2 million.

‘Motor City,’ $1.6 million.

‘Obsession,’ $1.5 million.

READ NEXT

Free AI prompt engineering: Certification course that will boost your profile in July

The good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune to learn the skill. Several reputable organisations offer free prompt engineering courses, and some provide certificates that can strengthen your CV and LinkedIn profile.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights free AI prompt engineering certification courses worth considering.

Google prompting essentials

Google’s Prompting Essentials is designed for beginners who want to learn how to communicate effectively with AI tools. The course explains how to write better prompts, refine AI-generated responses and use generative AI to improve productivity at work. Learners who complete the programme receive a certificate that can be added to their professional profile.

Microsoft AI skills fest

Microsoft offers free AI training through its AI Skills Fest and the Microsoft Learn platform. The courses cover topics such as generative AI, prompt engineering, responsible AI and Microsoft Copilot. Some learning paths award badges or certificates after completion.

AWS Educate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides free AI learning materials through AWS Educate. Learners can explore the basics of generative AI, prompt engineering , cloud computing and machine learning while earning digital badges for selected courses. The platform is suitable for students and beginners who want to build cloud and AI skills.

IBM SkillsBuild

IBM SkillsBuild provides free online courses on artificial intelligence , including prompt engineering and generative AI. The platform is designed for students, job seekers and professionals who want practical digital skills. Many of the courses come with free digital credentials after successful completion.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning occasionally offers free access to selected AI and prompt engineering courses during promotional periods or through trial access. Completing these courses can help to demonstrate continuous learning and improve your professional profile.

OpenAI Academy

OpenAI Academy provides learning resources, webinars and training materials to help users understand AI tools and use them effectively. While offerings may vary, it is a useful platform for anyone looking to improve their AI knowledge using resources from the company behind ChatGPT.

Learn Prompting

Learn Prompting is a free, open-source educational platform dedicated to prompt engineering. It covers prompt-writing techniques, prompt security, AI safety and practical examples for beginners and advanced users. It is widely used by learners who want a deeper understanding of prompt engineering.

SEC launches Sukuk framework

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has formally rolled out the country’s regulatory framework for Sukuk, marking a key step in its push to broaden the Philippine capital market by attracting Shari’ah-compliant investments while simultaneously updating financial reporting rules to align with global standards.

The SEC, together with the Asian Development Bank, launched the Guidelines on the Issuance and Disclosure of Sukuk last July 15.

The guidelines, implemented through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2026, establish the regulatory framework for Sukuk issuances, covering registration, permissible structures, disclosure obligations and reporting requirements.

Sukuk are certificates of equal value representing undivided investment interests or rights in underlying assets, usufructs, services or projects that comply with Shari’ah principles. Unlike conventional debt securities, Sukuk are structured to meet Islamic finance requirements.

‘Our vision is simple: a Philippine capital market that is deeper, broader and more inclusive-a market where every legitimate source of capital can find a place and every investor can participate with confidence. Islamic finance is part of that vision,’ SEC Chair Francis Lim said.

Under the guidelines, issuers may structure Sukuk using Shari’ah-compliant arrangements and other structures approved by the Commission.

The rules likewise allow the creation of special purpose entities for Sukuk issuances.

A journey with the stars

Somebody said that ‘A Sporting Chance’ is the longest-running sports column in the history of Philippine journalism. I can’t be sure of it, and I won’t claim it either. But I’ll confirm that it’s one short of 40 years in the sports section of The Philippine STAR, and the journey has been an amazing ride with the stars.

I turned in my first sports story as a student in 1972, and the account of an interview with Seattle SuperSonics playing coach Lenny Wilkens during a US State Department educational grant was published in Express Sports, a weekly publication. In 1974, I started a sports column called ‘Punchline’ in the broadsheet Daily Express and later introduced ‘A Sporting Chance’ in Business Day. When The Philippine STAR was born in 1986, sports editor Lito Tacujan invited me to bring my sports column over. However, I stayed with Business Day as I had committed to join the initiative to evolve the newspaper from strictly a business orientation to a multi-sectoral approach, including sports. But when Business Day owner Raul Locsin called to advise of the publication’s closure in 1987, I saw the opportunity to accept Lito’s invitation.

Joining The Philippine STAR was a dream come true. Lito and I had been friends for years, so our reunion was seamless. Aside from ‘A Sporting Chance,’ I contributed sports stories, both news and features, as we collaborated with the staff to make the section a strong element in producing the newspaper of choice. I was fortunate to meet Ma’am Betty Go-Belmonte, who founded The Philippine STAR with Max Soliven and Art Borjal. I will always cherish the memories of lengthy phone conversations with Ma’am Betty as we talked about journalistic ethics and setting high standards of excellence. Then, I met The Philippine STAR president Miguel Belmonte whose vision to grow the publication in the difficult post-pandemic era is an inspiration. Like his mother, Belmonte will never compromise principles, and it’s a trait that he faithfully carries as chief executive. Visiting Belmonte in his Port Area office for conversations was a highlight. It was during occasional visits to the office that I got to meet Amy Pamintuan, Marichu Villanueva, Doreen Yu (for whom I contributed stories for Starweek Magazine, formerly a Sunday supplement of The Philippine STAR) and Millet Mananquil.

Over 30 years ago, I started a Christmas contest through ‘A Sporting Chance’ for readers and handed out prizes at The Philippine STAR office, which was a treat for the winners as they saw where the newspaper was published. It’s still an annual tradition, although since the pandemic, the awarding of prizes is now held in a coffee shop for winners to enjoy refreshments and snacks with their families. The ties that bind The Philippine STAR and its readers remain the focus of this tradition.

Bringing sports stories to life through the written word is a passion, and it’s a process that involves a virtual ‘dancing with the stars.’ It’s about interacting with Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, Michael Jordan and other athletes who’ve conquered the world. It’s about delivering a sense of national pride and inspiring generations of Filipinos to achieve their goals. It’s about sharing insights and opinions that could shape policy, consensus and direction to pave the way towards the right path.

Moreover, I’ve been privileged to do several Pacquiao pre-fight commentaries on The Philippine STAR website with Philstar.com sports editor Dino Maragay and host ‘Beyond The Game,’ a sports talk show series on the same website.

Several years ago, I was invited to take ‘A Sporting Chance’ to another broadsheet. I declined the offer as I wouldn’t leave The Philippine STAR for the moon. The Philippine STAR is my home and family. It’s where I’ve grown to become committed to a purpose. It’s where I’ve enjoyed working with Lito and the sports editors, Gerry Carpio and Nelson Beltran, who’ve succeeded him. It’s where I’ve shared my love for music through articles in the entertainment and lifestyle sections. It’s where I continue to live my dream.

Throughout my journey with the stars, I’ve learned to be even more dedicated to improving my craft. It’s a mission for print journalists to stay relevant and informative in this age of social media. The platform that The Philippine STAR lays out in print with comprehensive, in-depth coverage will never go out of style because it stands on credibility and the adage that truth will prevail. On its 40th anniversary, The Philippine STAR remains a shining star in the quest for truth in this challenging era.

Marcos, VP Sara trust, performance ratings fall below 50% in Q2 2026 – survey

The trust and performance ratings of both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte declined in the second quarter of 2026, according to a recent survey by private polling firm OCTA Research.

Marcos’s trust rating fell by 5 percentage points, from 54% in March to 49% in July, while his performance rating dropped by 8 points, from 55% to 47%.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s trust rating declined by 8 points, from 55% in March to 47% in July, while her performance rating plunged by 5 points, from 50% to 45%.

OCTA interviewed 1,200 Filipino adults nationwide from July 4 to 11 for the survey, which has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

The survey results were released on Monday, July 27, hours ahead of Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

President’s performance rating declines

A larger decline was observed in public satisfaction with the president’s performance.

Satisfaction reached majority levels only in Balance Luzon at 60%. Below the majority level were the National Capital Region at 43%, Visayas at 45% and Mindanao at only 26%.

Overall, 33% of Filipinos expressed dissatisfaction with Marcos’ performance, reflecting a 7-percentage-point increase nationwide. The highest dissatisfaction rate was recorded in Mindanao, the Dutertes’ bailiwick, at 48%. This was followed by the National Capital Region and Visayas, which both recorded 32% dissatisfaction and Balance Luzon at 26%.

Across socioeconomic classes, the largest decline of 11 points was recorded among individuals in Class D, or the lower-middle-income segment, from 56% in March to 45% in July. A decline of 3 points was also recorded in Class ABC, or the combined upper- and upper-middle-income group, from 56% to 53%.

Meanwhile, satisfaction slightly increased by 4 points in Class E, or the lowest-income group, from 48% to 52%.

OCTA said the decline in the president’s performance and trust ratings could be attributed to public perceptions that the administration has failed to protect the local economy from the impacts of the Middle East conflict, has been slow to demand accountability from personalities involved in the flood control corruption scandal, and has failed to secure a ‘safety net’ to cushion the impact of inflation and rising petroleum prices on lower- and middle-income households.

VP Sara’s trust rating hits all-time low

Duterte’s trust and performance ratings were the lowest this quarter, but a larger decline was observed in her trust rating.

Nationally, 33% of respondents expressed distrust in the vice president, reflecting a 7-point increase from 26% in March to 33% in July. The highest distrust rate was recorded in the National Capital Region at 47%, followed by Balance Luzon at 44%, Visayas at 28% and Mindanao at only 4%.

Across socioeconomic classes, the highest distrust rate was recorded in Class ABC at 42%, followed by Class D at 33% and Class E at 24%.

OCTA noted that the vice president’s performance rating fell below the majority level for the first time since November 2024.

‘The most direct explanation for this record decline is the impeachment trial itself,’ OCTA said.

Marcos gets ‘failed’ mark anew from rights watchdog ahead of 5th Sona

Hours before his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday afternoon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has received a ‘failed’ mark again from Amnesty International (AI) Philippines, drawing heavy criticism for his administration’s track record on human rights and social justice.

In its 2025-2026 assessment, the human rights watchdog highlighted the President’s apparent failure to deliver on three critical fronts: the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs), the defense of press freedom, and the advancement of climate justice.

AI Philippines noted that these shortcomings compound the administration’s regressions from the previous years.

Prior assessments flagged the government’s ‘inability to prevent worsening’ human rights violations, specifically pointing to deteriorating access to health care, compromised labor security, and ineffective crackdowns on corruption.

With the Marcos administration entering its final two years, AI Philippines emphasized that these failures are recurring and require urgent intervention.

‘His government must decide now whether it will continue to protect power and privilege or finally uphold the rights of every Filipino,’ the group stated.