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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.’

Crystal Bridges earmarks P6.7 billion for initial Primewater rehabilitation program

Crystal Bridges Holdings Corp., a holding firm owned by the family of retailer Lucio Co, has earmarked more than P6.7 billion for the initial phase of its rehabilitation and expansion program for Primewater Infrastructure Corp., following the completion of its acquisition of the water utility in May.

The investment will fund infrastructure upgrades and service improvements across the company’s network as its new owner begins implementing its turnaround strategy.

‘Crystal Bridges is dedicating significant resources toward the revitalization of our water systems. Access to clean water remains one of the country’s most fundamental needs. Under our management, we aim to strengthen our capacity to provide reliable water services to communities across the Philippines,’ said Jose Paulino ‘JP’ Santamarina, director of Crystal Bridges.

The company said the initial capital outlay will finance projects covering the entire water supply chain-from the development of new water sources to the rehabilitation and modernization of existing distribution systems.

Planned projects include the construction and rehabilitation of water treatment plants, pumping stations, and septage treatment facilities, as well as the installation and replacement of transmission and distribution pipelines. Crystal Bridges also plans to build new reservoirs and booster pumping systems to improve water pressure, expand network coverage, and enhance service reliability. The projects will be implemented across its water districts nationwide.

The company said the program is expected to benefit millions of customers by improving water availability, service reliability, and system capacity.

‘We understand the urgency of providing communities with access to clean and reliable water,’ said Santamarina. ‘We are working at full capacity to address existing issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.’

The company said the P6.7-billion allocation represents only the first phase of its investment program. Additional capital expenditures are expected to be rolled out through 2027 as Crystal Bridges completes a broader assessment of the utility’s assets and operational requirements.

Consumer groups demand end to coal expansion in Quezon

Consumer groups and backers of renewable energy (RE) has expressed alarm over the Provincial Government of Quezon’s exemption of the 1,200 MW coal-fired power plant of Atimonan One Energy (A1E) from the local government’s ordinance for coal regulation.

The exemption through an ordinance, passed on June 15 in the middle of an energy crisis, was designed to regulate ongoing coal operations and prohibit coal expansion in Quezon.

However, Power 4 the People (P4P) has raised alarm over what it described as ‘unfortunate loopholes’ embedded in the ordinance and questioned why A1E was exempted.

‘Regulation to restrict coal anywhere in the country is welcome, yet the Provincial Government of Quezon exempted the A1E coal-fired plant despite the project clearly being a move to expand coal in the region,’ Gerry Arances, convenor of P4P, said.

The new ordinance is patterned after an October 2025 Department of Energy (DOE) advisory on non-coverages of the national moratorium on coal, which, according to P4P, essentially amounts to a withdrawal of the moratorium.

‘The government’s push to deepen coal dependence would perpetuate ordinary consumers’ vulnerabilities to high prices of electricity, unreliable electrical capacity, environmental damages, and health risks for host communities. Wasn’t it just a year ago during the 2025 State of the Nation Address [SONA] that the President himself pledged to address power woes? Yet here we have government bodies forcing more coal onto consumers and communities,’ said Arances.

P4P and its allied organizations thus addressed the Provincial Government of Quezon for allowing A1E to be continued despite community resistance and questionable compliance with environmental impact studies.

‘For many years, the threat of coal is clear – it worsens the climate crisis, it emits pollutants that endanger health and the environment. Why do we still want to put up coal in Quezon? Our call to our Governor and Provincial Council – if you are truly for the environment and health, listen to the voice of your constituents. Don’t make consultation mere formalities. And if it’s true coal has no place in Quezon, prohibit A1E. The environment, health, and the future have no exemption,’ Rev. Fr. Warren Puno, Regional Coordinator of the Luzon South Laudato Si Convergence, said.

‘The seemingly endless pursuit of coal must be prohibited. We must do away with piecemeal resolutions during this crisis. Let A1E be an example. Prohibit the expansion of coal and all fossil fuels to protect consumers against financial, environmental, and physical dangers,’ concluded Arances.

Wounded Caraga cop receives bravery medal, financial aid

A police officer injured during a checkpoint operation in Surigao City received a medal of bravery and financial assistance from the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13).

Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV, PRO-13 regional director, visited on Monday Patrolman Benjie Banaybanay at the Butuan Doctors Hospital and conferred on him the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (Wounded Personnel Medal) for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Banaybanay was injured on July 22 while manning a checkpoint along Borromeo Street in Barangay Taft, Surigao City.

According to police, a tricycle driven by a man identified only by the alias ‘Alvyn’ failed to slow down as it approached the checkpoint and struck a warning sign, injuring Banaybanay.

The officer was initially taken to the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City for emergency treatment before being transferred to the Butuan Doctors Hospital for further medical care.

The medal was awarded under National Police Commission Memorandum Circular No. 2025-007 and Philippine National Police Memorandum Circular No. 2022-043.

Magistrado also provided financial assistance to the wounded officer, saying the police organization remains committed to supporting personnel injured while performing their duties.

‘Every police officer who puts his life on the line deserves not only recognition but also the full support of the organization,’ Magistrado said.

He was joined during the hospital visit by Col. Marlon Kamatoy, chief of the Regional Comptrollership Division; Col. Pobleo Mariano Magistrado V, chief of the Regional Education and Training Division; and other PRO-13 officers.

Igbo community alleges illegal taxation in Cross River, seeks govt intervention

The Igbo community in Cross River State has raised concerns over what it described as illegal taxation and harassment by non-state actors, calling on the state government to clamp down on those allegedly imposing multiple levies on businesses.

The concerns were raised on Monday during an interactive session between the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, members of the business community, women and student groups, and officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar.

The community also complained about the poor condition of roads in parts of the state, saying it was affecting commercial activities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Second Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Agu Prince, alleged that unidentified groups had continued to impose illegal taxes on traders, claiming their activities were threatening the survival of many businesses.

According to him, the groups operate with receipt booklets and harass traders daily.

‘Our position remains that these people have the backing of some persons in government because of the way and manner they go about this,’ he said.

Prince also urged the state government to decongest markets, warning that overcrowding had increased the risk of fire outbreaks.

The Financial Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, Mr Evan Mba, commended Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for its inclusive approach but appealed for the rehabilitation of roads, particularly in the Northern Senatorial District, to facilitate business activities and economic growth.

Also speaking, the state Secretary of the group, Chief Dike Ejike, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate government presence in the Northern Senatorial District and called for clarification over the reported reduction in the salaries of primary school teachers.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River, High Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, appealed to the state government to address the community’s grievances while reaffirming the commitment of the Igbo community to the development of the state.

The community, however, commended the Otu administration for its efforts in tackling insecurity and fostering peaceful coexistence, noting that members of the Igbo community had continued to feel welcomed in the state.

Responding, the Cross River State Chairman of the APC, Mr Christopher Etta, assured the gathering that their concerns would be conveyed to Governor Otu.

He expressed satisfaction that no security-related complaints were raised at the meeting and attributed the country’s current economic challenges to long-standing structural problems.

‘It is true that things are difficult, but the reforms being implemented are aimed at addressing challenges that should have been tackled years ago. It is only a matter of time before the country begins to reap the benefits,’ Etta said.

Aiyedatiwa to host Nana Shettima at RHI social investment programme

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State will on Tuesday host the wife of the Vice-President, Hajia Nana Shettima, who will represent the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme scheduled to hold in Akure.

The programme, under the Food Outreach Scheme, is expected to provide about 1,800 bags of rice and other food items to vulnerable residents across the state, including widows, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and other indigent persons.

Briefing journalists in Akure on Monday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the event would hold at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Alagbaka, from 10 a.m.

According to her, Hajia Shettima, who is also the National Vice-Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, would represent the First Lady at the programme, while Governor Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, the state coordinator of the initiative, would receive the delegation.

She said the intervention was aimed at cushioning the effects of the prevailing economic challenges on vulnerable groups in the state.

She explained that beneficiaries were carefully selected from recognised associations of persons with disabilities, widows’ groups, senior citizens’ organisations, registered non-governmental organisations and the 18 local government areas to ensure that the items reached deserving recipients.

Osamaye said: ‘The governor will receive the wife of the Vice-President, while the wife of the governor will assist in hosting the delegation.

‘About 1,800 bags of rice and other food items will be distributed. We have identified structured associations and community groups across the state to ensure the relief materials get to the intended beneficiaries.

‘Local government chairmen have also been directed to identify vulnerable persons at the grassroots.’

The commissioner added that beneficiaries who were unable to attend the event would receive their allocations through designated representatives.

Osamaye also announced that another empowerment programme would hold on Wednesday under the Project 774 Initiative of the APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile.

She said the programme, titled Sensitisation and Empowerment of Women on Gender Equality and Adequate Representation in Governance, would empower about 1,000 women entrepreneurs from the state’s 18 local government areas through financial support and capacity-building.

‘The beneficiaries for Wednesday are different from those for Tuesday. About 1,000 women entrepreneurs across the state will receive financial support to strengthen their businesses,’ she said.

She urged the media to give the programmes adequate publicity, noting that they would further support the state’s social investment drive and women empowerment initiatives.

Osamaye added that the programmes were in line with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE Agenda, particularly its focus on social inclusion and expanding opportunities for women and other vulnerable groups.

BRUSHSTROKES FOR BETTER HEALTH

Families and advocates from ImagineLaw paint a community mural depicting healthy families and a sustainable food environment during National Nutrition Month activities at Quezon Memorial Circle.

The event also features interactive nutrition exhibits, including sodium-content displays, front-of-pack warning label mock-ups and the Pagkain Check! Nutrition Calculator, while Plantitas Baesa, an urban farming group based in Quezon City, showcases freshly harvested produce.

Congress gears up for 2nd regular session; Gatchalian and Dy outline legislative push

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III on Monday called for stronger accountability in translating legislation into effective government programs, stressing that Congress’ responsibility does not end with the passage of laws.

Speaking at the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress, Dy said legislative reforms must produce tangible improvements in the daily lives of Filipinos.

‘But we know that our responsibility does not end here. Let us make sure that these laws are translated into programs that are effectively implemented so they truly improve the lives of our countrymen,’ he said.

The Speaker cited the House of Representatives’ approval of 163 bills during the First Regular Session, including 26 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

These included measures strengthening the National Nutrition Program and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, as well as reforms expanding educational assistance, access to tertiary education, and merit-based scholarships.

Dy said the House would build on this record by prioritizing measures addressing the most pressing concerns of Filipino families.

‘In our Second Regular Session, we will continue working to advance reforms that directly address the everyday problems of our people,’ he said.

Among these are the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment Act, which seeks to reduce rice prices while strengthening assistance to farmers; amendments to the Universal Health Care Act to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare; the CADENA Act to promote transparency in the use of public funds; and the Cybersecurity Act to protect Filipinos from digital threats.

Dy emphasized that effective governance requires not only legislation but also proper implementation, transparency, and continued engagement with the public.

He assured Filipinos that the House would listen more closely to their concerns and hold itself accountable to ensuring that legislative gains are felt beyond the halls of Congress.

‘As the session resumes, you can count on our commitment to work more diligently, listen more closely and serve with accountability,’ Dy said.

Senate formally opened the Second Regular Session

The Senate formally opened the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress on Monday morning, July 27, ending a nearly eight-week legislative recess as senators resume plenary sessions, take up pending legislative measures, and continue the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

At Monday’s opening session, senators convened in plenary and heard the opening address of Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, who said the 20th Senate will focus its second regular session on at least five priorities:

Topping the list are measures to address the steady rise in food prices and help families cope substantially with rising inflation by, among others, increasing their take-home pay with a slew of measures. The amendments to the rice tariffication law, a Ledac priority, is also on the agenda.

The Ginhawa bill is thus Senate priority, he said.

Under the proposal to increase the take-home pay of workers, the exemption level for income tax payers is being raised from P250,000. Those receiving P400,000 and below pay no more income tax, senators noted how the steady inroads of inflation have gouged the pocketbooks of the core of the middle class-workers who pay the bulk of individual income taxes.

Also on the table is a proposal to remove taxes on overtime and hazard pay, among others.

The high electricity rates – reported to be the highest in Southeast Asia in June – are also a focus of the second regular session. Another Ledac measure, Gatchalian said, is the bill strengthening the ERC bill, to allow the Energy Regulatory Commission to better keep in line the stakeholders in the power sector.

The Senate will also prioritize amendments to the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, according to Gatchalian.

Fourth, it will focus on infrastructure as, Gatchalian pointed out, boosting infra spending is the first best way to boost the economy. Fifth, lawmakers will focus on measures to ensure there are more stable and decent jobs

Assistance for MSMEs will also be a priority, he said.

After suspending the morning session, senators proceeded to the Batasang Pambansa Complex for the joint session of Congress, to hear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

With Congress back in session, senators are expected to take up pending bills, resolutions, committee reports, appointments, and other legislative measures before the chamber.

The Senate will also continue hearing the impeachment case against Duterte, although proceedings will resume only on Wednesday, July 29, following adjustments to the trial schedule.

Presiding Officer Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero said senator-judges agreed during a caucus to suspend trial proceedings on Monday, July 27, due to President Marcos’ Sona, and on Tuesday, July 28, to allow minority senators to prepare for and deliver the traditional Kontra-Sona.

Escudero said the impeachment trial will resume on Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Senate plenary session set to begin at 4 p.m. He added that, beginning in August, impeachment proceedings will generally be held from Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., before the chamber convenes for its regular legislative session.

The Senate adjourned its last plenary session on June 3 for the legislative recess during which, the senators continued conducting committee hearings, oversight activities, and other legislative work.

Kwara APC ready to win elections – Gov AbdulRazaq

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state is waxing stronger and poised to deliver overwhelming victory at the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Ilorin at the APC Youth Engagement 2026, the Governor spoke of how his administration inherited a collapsed system in 2019 and how it has been able to fix them, pledging not to drop the ball.

Parading the candidates for various elective offices before the party stalwarts amidst thunderous applause, the Governor described the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly and Gubernatorial candidate, Rt. Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi (SYD), as a highly competent and experienced politician to occupy the Ahmadu Bello House come 2027.

‘SYD is part and parcel of this administration. All the projects that you see us doing today were appropriated under his leadership at the State House of Assembly. Some of them go on the television and start saying he doesn’t have the experience. How can you say a Speaker of (almost) eight years does not have experience? How can you say that Kwara has developed but the person that made appropriation at the Assembly for that development does not have experience?,’ the Governor queried, tasking all faithful to work hard for the victory of the party.

‘Well, our job has just begun for the next phase. You are to go home, go to your various wards, zones and polling booths to start organizing yourself.

‘We are not complacent but at the same time, our party has now become stronger than ever, while the opposition is much weaker than how they were in the previous elections. We should, however, do more hard work in order to attain victory. Insha Allah, 2027 shall be the year of victory.’

AbdulRazaq praised the youth for their large turnout and commended the organizer of the engagement for their commitment to the success of the party.

‘I am so happy to see all the youth’s turnout today. It is a sign that you all endorse us and the candidacy of SYD. We have come a long way since 2018, 2019. All of you knew the economy of the state. The condition of the state in terms of education, healthcare, and infrastructure was too poor. That was when civil servants could not get paid, and if they were paid, they were paid in percentages,’ he said.

‘Our education sector had collapsed when we came in. That was when the same PDP (government) diverted the UBEC funds. That was when the teachers became farmers, and the school attendance dropped. It was a complete collapse of the system. But we came and turned things around. And today they can proudly say that Kwara is one of the leading states in Nigeria.’

Candidates took turns to thank the Governor and the leadership of the party both at the state and national level for playing active roles towards their emergence.

Danladi, for his part, appreciated the Governor for entrusting him and indeed the youth for leadership positions, pledging to work hard and to use his legislative experience to further transform the state.

‘I thank Your Excellency for the idea of bringing someone with legislative experience to come and lead the state and by His grace, the transformation agenda of Kwara, which we are part and parcel of would be sustained and improved upon,’ he said.

‘Those who talk on Radio and Television, have never for one day said you have not performed. You have performed wonderfully well and sincerely, not because I’m standing as a candidate, you have done well and as the legislators going for the oversight, I can confirm that you have done well in all 193 wards in the state.

‘And we have learnt a lot from your transformation agenda and we would keep the train moving by the grace of God. We are going to win the 2027 elections. When people say there is no capacity, this person is not popular, that person has lost his popularity, I always tell them that Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is gaining more popularity, and everyone of us that contested the primary elections relied on Mallam AbdulRahman’s structure.’

He said there is no division as far as Kwara politics is concerned, noting that what transpared is just a pursuit of interests as welcomed in the democracy.

‘Our brothers will come back. Your Excellency, we know you are capable of doing that. We are going to get the results, and those that are talking today, we are all one family and they should come back to their home,’ he added.

‘As candidates, we have been reaching out to them. I commend the State Party Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi and the Reconciliatory Committee for their efforts. They are reaching out to everyone not only the governorship candidates and we will all come to the round table to work for APC.’

State APC Chairman Prince Fagbemi, who read out the authentic names of the party’s candidates, said the APC-led government in Kwara state has performed exceedingly well to remain in power beyond 2027.

He highlighted some of the sectoral strides of Governor AbdulRazaq in the last seven years, and called on the electorate to vote massively for all their candidates.

Marcos urged to turn promises into concrete actions

As President Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, Filipinos from across the country are urging his administration to move beyond promises and deliver concrete solutions to the problems they say continue to burden their daily lives.

From fisherfolk grappling with rising fuel costs and tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to farmers fighting to keep their land and indigenous peoples seeking to protect their ancestral domains, many hope this year’s Sona will focus on concrete action rather than accomplishments.

In Zambales, fishermen said protecting their livelihoods begins with a stronger government presence in the WPS and sustained assistance amid soaring fuel prices.

Regino Renato Romero, chair of the Subic Hook and Line Fishermen’s Association, urged the government to intensify maritime patrols to protect Filipino fishermen from harassment while expanding fuel and food assistance for those fishing near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

‘I hope the government will strengthen its patrols in the West Philippine Sea to prevent the harassment of Filipino fishermen,’ Romero said in Filipino.

Romero also appealed for larger fuel subsidies for municipal fishermen, saying the existing P3,000 assistance is often enough only for those fishing closer to shore.

The concern was echoed by Argie Aringo, 43, who has spent two decades fishing in municipal waters.

He said rising diesel prices have reduced daily earnings from about P1,000 to P500-P700, forcing many fishermen to stay ashore whenever fuel costs spike.

The Archipelagic Women of the Philippines also urged the President to prioritize small-scale fishers and give women a greater role in fisheries governance.

‘We are not merely beneficiaries of government programs. We are partners in crafting solutions,’ the group said.

Public utility vehicle drivers likewise said rising fuel prices continue to erode their income.

Roderick Aguinaldo, 55, a jeepney driver in Subic and father of four, said his daily earnings have dropped from more than P1,000 to P400-P700 after he reduced his trips because of higher fuel costs.

He also urged the President to hold accountable officials allegedly involved in anomalies in flood control projects.

Ancestral land protection

Leaders of indigenous communities in Zambales and Olongapo called for stronger protection of ancestral domains and better access to education.

Trollie Romualdo, chieftain of the Iram Resettlement in Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City, said ancestral lands should not be entered without the consent of indigenous peoples.

Joseph Santos, another Aeta resident, said students in their community must cross about 10 bridges to reach the nearest high school.

He hopes the government will build a school closer to their village and provide students with basic school supplies.

Residents also urged the government to protect agricultural lands from conversion.

Marilou Dabon, 41, said preserving farmlands is essential to protecting the livelihoods of farmers and indigenous communities while reducing the risks of flooding and landslides.

In Lucena City, farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples and agrarian reform beneficiaries will gather for a Mass and prayer rally before the President’s address to call for the restoration of land rights and genuine agrarian reform.

The coalition Kilusan Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan urged Mr. Marcos, as chair of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council, to protect agricultural lands, resolve long-pending land disputes, halt the reversal of agrarian reform gains and stop the criminalization of farmers defending their rights.

A Catholic priest from Quezon province also appealed to Mr. Marcos to intervene in the decades-old land dispute involving former agrarian reform beneficiaries in Sariaya.

Fr. Warren Puno, director of the Ministry of Ecology of the Diocese of Lucena, urged the President to immediately release the findings of the long-delayed investigation into the cancellation of farmers’ Certificates of Land Ownership Award.

‘For many years, these farmers have been waiting for justice over lands that were once awarded to them but were later taken back,’ Puno said.

Seniors vs corruption

In Baguio City, about 20 retired professionals and elderly activists marched on Saturday, demanding stronger action against alleged corruption.

Calling themselves Seniors Kontra sa Kurakot, the protesters criticized what they described as the slow pace of investigations into alleged multibillion-peso infrastructure anomalies.

Jeanette Ribaya-Cawiding of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the country continues to suffer from political patronage and weak accountability.