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F1: Lando Norris grabs first race win of season in Hungarian Grand Prix

World champion Lando Norris claimed his first win of the season and 12th of his career with a resounding triumph for McLaren ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in Sunday’s helter-skelter Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Briton, who started from pole position but had to recover after a poor opening lap, came home 15 seconds clear of four-time world champion Verstappen with world championship leader Kimi Antonelli finishing third for Mercedes.

The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton ended up fourth and fifth ahead of Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull, George Russell in the second Mercedes and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson.

Nico Huelkenberg scored his first points of the season in ninth place for Audi ahead of rookie Arvid Lindblad in the second Racing Bulls.

Norris repeated his success last season at the Hungaroring where McLaren have won for the last three years.

Antonelli’s determined drive, in a frantic race of divergent tyre strategies, lifted him 50 points clear of Hamilton in the championship.

‘Beautiful,’ said Norris on team radio. ‘The car was unbelievable today! Flying!

‘It’s probably the best pace I’ve ever had,’ he said ‘This track is good for us.’

Verstappen was critical of his car, but happy to claim another podium finish.

‘I didn’t expect it today – we had to work very hard for this,’ he said.

Antonelli said it had been a hard race.

‘It was so tough to overtake, but it is the best result for me to go into the break and now we can keep pushing.’

The race began in scorching heat with the highest temperatures of the weekend – 31 Celsius (air) and 51 (track).

Ferrari gambling on soft tires for the start while all the started on mediums.

Oscar Piastri made a fast start to pass Leclerc. When Norris went wide at Turn Two and Piastri took the lead while Hamilton passed Leclerc for fourth behind Verstappen.

Behind them, the luckless Russell’s Mercedes went into anti-stall on the grid. He fell from sixth to 20th while teammate Antonelli advanced to sixth.

Hamilton attacked Verstappen without success and by lap 10 was losing grip.

‘Max is slow,’ reported Hamilton, who pitted to ‘undercut’ Verstappen on lap 14, rejoined 10th and stormed past Lindblad before Red Bull brought the Dutchman in on lap 15.

Verstappen came out behind Hamilton, but regained his place with a lunge down the inside at Turn One.

Piastri pitted from the lead, followed by Leclerc. It was frantic stuff and when Norris came in, Antonelli took over as leader.

When the Italian pitted, he returned in sixth.

Piastri led, followed by teammate Norris. The Briton requested a stop but McLaren brought in Paistri first.

Gearbox problems

At halfway, Norris led Verstappen by five seconds.

The Briton then pitted from the lead on lap 40 and returned in third, ahead of Piastri, the Australian having narrowly avoided a heavy collision with Carlos Sainz’s Williams at Turn Two where they clashed. Sainz was given a five-seconds penalty.

After Verstappen pitted again, Antonelli led with Norris in pursuit.

Norris, on fresher tires, regained the lead on lap 46 with a dive inside the young Italian at Turn One and built his advantage before Antonelli stopped again.

PhilHealth, Yakap, Gamot programs to expand in 2027, says Marcos

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said PhilHealth will expand its preventive health program next year to gradually include blood tests and medicines aimed at detecting and monitoring kidney, liver and thyroid conditions, as well as hepatitis B, earlier.

Marcos announced the expansion in his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), in which he outlined the government’s health programs covering preventive care, medicines, and treatment for serious and common diseases.

‘If our true goal is to prevent disease, this is not enough. We need to detect and monitor health problems much earlier,’ Marcos said.

‘That is why we are further expanding this program. Starting next year, we will gradually include various types of blood tests and medications so that potential kidney, liver, thyroid, and hepatitis B conditions can be detected and monitored at an earlier stage,’ he added.

Marcos described Universal Health Care, implemented with the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth, as the country’s primary health protection system.

He cited the Yakap program as part of the government’s push toward preventive and early health care.

‘Being proactive is better than simply working hard. That is the goal of our Yakap Program: to keep Filipinos healthy and away from disease, and to address potential illnesses before they become serious,’ Marcos said.

According to Marcos, 25 million Filipinos have already registered under the program, while 4.5 million have received consultations this year.

The government also wants more clinics to participate in Yakap to give patients more options, he said.

P20,000 annual medicine benefit

Marcos also cited PhilHealth’s GAMOT program, under which members can obtain medicines from more than 2,000 accredited providers.

Each member has an annual benefit limit of P20,000.

The program currently covers 75 essential medicines, including antibiotics and medicines for asthma, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, cough, fever and other common illnesses, according to Marcos.

‘In the first seven months of this year, more than 300,000 of our fellow Filipinos have already benefited from these medicines,’ he said.

Over 2,000 medicines exempted from VAT

Marcos also said more than 2,000 medicines have been exempted from value-added tax (VAT). Of these, more than 700 are for cancer, over 500 are for hypertension, while more than 600 are for diabetes and mental health, according to figures he cited.

‘By removing this tax, the result is lower prices for these products in pharmacies,’ Marcos said.

Marcos also said PhilHealth continues to expand the diseases, conditions and services it covers and has increased benefit limits to account for rising prices. He specifically cited coverage for serious and prevalent illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

He said HIV/AIDS treatment is now also covered as the government seeks to address the rising number of cases in the country.

He also cited tuberculosis, which he said kills nearly 100 people each day in the Philippines.

‘PhilHealth’s substantial support is also there if you truly need to be admitted to a hospital. PhilHealth continues to expand its coverage to include more diseases, medical conditions, and healthcare services. It has also increased its benefit limits to ensure they keep pace with rising costs,’ Marcos said.

‘PhilHealth gives priority to widespread and serious illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. Coverage now also includes HIV/AIDS treatment to help curb the growing number of cases in the country. Treatment for tuberculosis is likewise covered-a disease that claims nearly 100 lives every day in our country,’ he added.

BARBADOS-COURT-CCJ dismisses apeal in murder case

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has dismissed an appeal filed by Baggio Kristidi Daniel against his conviction for murder in Barbados and affirmed his sentence of 28 years’ imprisonment.

Daniel was convicted in 2019 of the fatal shooting of Alex Romel Samuel on a public minibus. His conviction was based on eyewitness testimony and an oral confession, which he made to the police whilst in custody.

His appeal to the Barbados Court of Appeal was dismissed, and he subsequently appealed to the CCJ, where Daniel argued that his trial was unfair.

He contended that his constitutional right to consult an attorney had been violated, that the trial judge failed to properly rule on that issue, and that the jury was wrongly allowed to determine whether his confession should be used as evidence against him.

He also argued that the judge failed to give appropriate warnings about the reliability of certain evidence.

But in its ruling delivered by Justice Arif Bulkan, the five-member CCJ panel of judges including its President Justice Winston Anderson, ejected all these arguments.

It held that although the trial judge did not make an explicit ruling on the alleged breach of the right to counsel, her decision that it was not violated was clear from the record. By explicitly accepting the evidence of the police officers, she rejected the claim that Daniel had been denied access to an attorney.

The CCJ also found that the trial judge did not improperly delegate her role to the jury and that she had already determined that the confession was admissible. It said that her instructions to the jury were instead aimed at guiding them on how to assess the reliability of the statement.

The CCJ affirmed that juries must disregard confessions if they find that they were obtained by oppression or in breach of fundamental rights, even if they believe the statements to be true.

It also ruled that this matter did not require a special warning of the kind described in the CCJ’s case law, that certain types of evidence may not be entirely reliable and should be treated with caution. In any event, in this matter, the trial judge had properly cautioned the jury about the possible unreliability of certain evidence.

The CCJ emphasised the importance of the right to legal counsel as a fundamental safeguard in criminal proceedings but held that there was no breach of that right in this case. It also noted that the evidence against Daniel was strong and that although no witness saw the actual shooting, the combined testimony of several eyewitnesses, together with other evidence, strongly supported the jury’s verdict.

Having found no errors affecting the fairness of the trial, the CCJ dismissed the appeal and upheld the conviction and sentence.

In-person classes suspended in Pampanga amid bomb threats

The city government suspended face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools on Monday following bomb threats circulated on social media.

‘I ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools on Monday, July 27, 2026, and the implementation of alternative delivery modalities while a thorough security assessment is being conducted,’ Mayor Gerald Guttrie Aquino announced through the official Facebook page of the Mabalacat City government on Sunday evening, July 26.

The mayor was referring to a Facebook account identified only by the alias ‘Anthony Policarpio,’ who threatened on Saturday to bomb several elementary and high schools in the city between Aug. 26 and Sept. 5.

According to the posts, the threats were in retaliation for alleged discrimination in student admissions.

Aquino said he ordered the suspension after consulting with the Mabalacat City Police Station and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office in the city.

He added that several school principals and barangay officials had also expressed concern over the safety and security of students.

The social media user threatened schools in the villages of Atlu Bola, Mamatitang, San Joaquin, Sta. Ines, Tabun, Camatchiles, and Mangalit.

Meanwhile, in nearby Angeles City, three minors were taken to the barangay hall in Barangay Cutud on Saturday for allegedly making a social media video showing a masked person threatening to stab students of Cutud Elementary School.

During questioning, the minors told police officers and barangay officials that the video was merely their ‘trip,’ slang for a prank or deliberately acting out.

In a Facebook post, the Cutud Barangay Council said the minors would undergo intervention and counseling and perform community service as part of measures to help them understand the seriousness and consequences of their actions.

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.

DOE’s GEA-7 includes solar, hydro

THE Department of Energy (DOE) will offer 2,020 megawatts (MW) of solar rooftop, ground-mounted solar and 120 MW of run-of-river hydro technologies under the seventh round of the green energy auction (GEA-7) program.

Under the draft terms of reference (TOR) released over the weekend, the agency will offer these renewable energy (RE) capacities for Mindanao, a move meant to stimulate investments in the region, address growing energy demand, and promote a more balanced and resilient power system across the country.

The DOE is proposing to set a target of 500MW of installed capacity for ground-mounted solar + battery energy storage system (BESS) for each year starting 2027 to 2030. This integration is expected to improve dispatch ability and address the intermittency of solar energy, supporting a more secure and flexible power system.

For solar rooftop, the target installation capacity is five MW per year during the same period.

For hydro, a total of 120MW of capacity is targeted for delivery between 2028 to 2030.

The DOE wants these RE facilities to be RPS (renewable portfolio standards)-eligible. RPS is a market-based policy that mandates electricity suppliers to source an agreed portion of their energy supply from eligbile RE sources.

The draft TOR provides prospective developers with the necessary guidelines to participate in the auction. ‘The DOE is requesting all interested parties to submit comments and recommendations to the draft TOR for the seventh round of GEA. In line with this, a focused group discussion will be held on July 27, 2026,’ the DOE notice stated.

BDO H1 net income up ?1M on core business

THE Sy-led BDO Unibank Inc. posted a P40.7-billion net income in the first half of 2026, slightly higher than P40.6 billion in the same period last year, driven by the ‘continued strength’ of its core business segments.

‘The bank sustained strong operating momentum, delivering mid-teens loan growth, double-digit growth in pre-provision operating profit and improved asset quality,’ read a statement the lender issued last Monday.

According to the bank, provisions were increased as a ‘prudential measure’ against ‘evolving risks.’ The lender didn’t provide details on what these risks were.

Net interest income rose 11 percent year-on-year as gross customer loans expanded 15 percent to P3.9 trillion, supported by double-digit growth across all segments.

Meanwhile, total deposits climbed 13 percent while current and savings account (CASA) grew 4 percent. Non-interest income increased 4 percent, led by a 14 percent rise in insurance operations.

According to the bank, operating expense growth remained ‘contained’ at a single-digit pace, resulting in a 12-percent increase in pre-provision operating profit.

Asset quality continued to improve, with nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio declining to 1.64 percent from 1.75 percent in the same period last year.

NPL coverage stood at 132 percent. Credit cost increased to 67 basis points, reflecting management’s ‘proactive approach’ to potential risks, the bank said.

Shareholders’ equity rose 8 percent, with book value per share increasing to P121.78. The bank’s common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at 13.1 percent.

‘Backed by strong business fundamentals, a healthy balance sheet, and its market leadership position, BDO remains well-positioned to navigate prevailing uncertainties and capture opportunities in an evolving business environment,’ the bank noted.

BDO said it has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 2,000 consolidated operating branches and more than 7,900 teller machines nationwide.

It also has 13 international offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

The bank said it ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2026.

Nikki Valdez marks Cinemalaya debut with Mangyan entry ‘Kaka Sa Yawan’

Nikki Valdez is making her Cinemalaya debut with ‘Kaka Sa Yawan’ (Brother from Another River), a film that highlights the culture and way of life of the Tadyawan-Mangyan community in Mindoro.

During the film’s press conference on Sunday, July 26, Valdez shared her experience filming with the Mangyan tribe, describing the immersion as both challenging and meaningful.

‘Napaka-ganda ‘yung experience para sa aming mga actors. Like, ako… This is my first Cinemalaya experience. Kaya sobrang masaya po ako to be immersed with the Mangyan tribe,’ Valdez said.

‘Hindi biro ‘yung naging experience. But it was a very good one. Especially for someone like me na first time mag-Cinemalaya,’ she added.

Valdez said she was able to witness traditions and a simpler way of living while filming in the Mangyan community, including seeing some residents still wearing traditional bahag.

‘Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng may nagsusuot pa ng bahag. And to go back to basics, ‘yung nakita namin ‘yung ang saya nila,’ she said. ‘Makikita mong magkakakilala lahat ng tao. Dahil na siguro walang gadgets, you know, they talk to each other.’

Valdez recalled seeing families start preparing meals and gathering around fires as early as 5 p.m. She also shared that access to electricity and internet connection remained limited in the area.

Despite these challenges, Valdez said she was inspired by how the Mangyan community found happiness in what they had.

‘Masaya na sila sa kung anong meron sila, sa kung sinong meron sila, at kung nasaan sila,’ she said.

Valdez also shared her admiration for the health and lifestyle of the residents she met, including elderly members of the community.

‘May mga nakausap pa kami na mga elderly naman o mga nanay. Sabi ko, wow, ganun sila ka-healthy,’ she said. ‘Meron isa nanganak pa siya at 50 years old.’

Directed by Alpha Habon, ‘Kaka Sa Yawan’ follows the coming-of-age story of two friends in Mindoro: Niko, a boy from Manila, and Ayan, a Tadyawan-Mangyan.

Valdez plays Mely, the mother of Niko, who struggles to emotionally connect with her son.

The film stars Bryce Nicolo Mercader, Beaver Magtalas, Luis Alandy, with Dennis Dato making his debut. It also features Queenay Mercado, Karl Medina, and Noelle Polack, with special participation from Benedix Ramos.

‘Kaka Sa Yawan,’ one of the nine entries to this year’s Cinemalaya, is produced by Bryce Entertainment Production and IGMM Film Productions.

The Cinemalaya will run from August 6 to 18, 2026, and will be shown in select cinemas in Metro Manila.

SB19 all set to conquer Lollapalooza as PHL’s newest tourism ambassador

Days before the P-pop kings fly to Chicago for their highly anticipated historic appearance at the Lollapalooza Music Festival, SB19 has been named by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the Philippines’ newest tourism ambassador.

The announcement was preceded by a soft digital activation over the weekend that got A’TIN, SB19’s global fanbase, excited for what was going to come.

On July 23, a DOT social media post showing five goat emojis sparked widespread speculation about the partnership.

On July 25, Saturday, on its official social platforms @TourismPhilippines, the DOT posted a photo of a ‘Galingbayan’ (balikbayan) box with the name SB-19 printed on it. The box was set before the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal in Rizal Park.

(‘Hey, we’re sending off some GOATS. This Galingbayan box is off to the US for a historic performance.’)

According to a DOT news release, ‘A corrugated care package traditionally sent home by overseas Filipinos to their families, the balikbayan box is one of the most powerful cultural symbols in the Philippines as it represents love expressed through sacrifice and connection across distances.’

On Sunday, July 26, the members acknowledged the gesture on their social media accounts, confirming their ambassadorship.

Earlier, on July 3, the DOT named all-female group BINI as the first P-pop tourism ambassador, following their milestone performance at the Coachella Music Festival and in the middle of their Signals World Tour 2026.

Engaging the strong fandom

In a statement, Secretary Angara-Mathay lauded SB19 as one of the country’s best ambassadors for promoting Philippine tourism.

‘SB19’s talent is undeniable-their music is powerful, and so is their influence. They have the reach to connect with fans across the United States, Europe, ASEAN, and beyond,’ she said.

‘And in the U.S., we’re seeing that influence become something real: Filipino-Americans who grew up watching SB19 online are now booking flights home, some for the first time in years, just to see them perform on their home turf.’

‘We’re seeing the same thing across ASEAN, where SB19’s fandom is just as strong, and where a short flight makes that pull even easier to act on. Whether it’s a Filipino-American flying halfway across the world or a fan in Taiwan or Bangkok just a few hours away, SB19 is giving people real reasons to visit the Philippines. That’s the kind of reach we want to build on,’ Secretary Angara-Mathay commented.

As Tourism Ambassadors, SB19 pledges to partner with the DOT in inviting A’TIN worldwide to visit the Philippines and experience the country’s beautiful destinations and rich culture.

A’TIN chapters are not only from the Philippines but across ASEAN, the United States, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries, with international fans regularly flying to the archipelago for the group’s concerts.

Some A’TIN groups have also organized tribute projects such as fan-funded billboards abroad to celebrate the members. The DOT is looking into this growing international fanbase as a promising market for tourism.

Pride in Filipino identity

The five-member group consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin is known for creating their own songs that reflect Filipino values, such as love for family, hard work, and resilience.

Their global breakout hit, ‘Gento,’ is about the grit and toughness needed to refine raw talent into gold.

‘Nyebe’ is about the isolation and sacrifices one has to confront away from loved ones, such as OFWs.

‘Mapa’ is a tribute to the love and sacrifices of parents, while ‘What?’ and ‘Visa’ are about pride in Filipino identity and a direct commentary on the bureaucratic system, respectively.

Global milestones

On July 29, SB19 will become the first Filipino group to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game, ahead of the Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees matchup.

On July 30, they will be the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, Chicago, one of the largest global music festivals.

In August, the group will perform at the Summer Sonic 2026 in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, alongside Filipino act ena mori and fellow tourism ambassador BINI.

Details of the DOT and SB19 partnership are still being finalized, with announcements to follow.

Catch SB19 and the rest of Lollapalooza 2026 festival LIVE from the comfort of your home, streaming exclusively on Disney+ from July 31 to August 3, 2026, with the stream starting at 3:45 AM daily.

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.