Category: Philippine Star

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It jumpstarts your day and gives you energy to last you the whole day. There’s no overeating here, since you get to burn the calories for one full day.

Chef Jill Sandique, easily one of the most talented Filipino chefs in the country today, really takes a completely satisfying breakfast whenever she can. She cooks, no, not fried eggs or scrambled eggs, but a leveled-up egg dish, which she simply calls Breakfast Eggs.

‘This humble breakfast dish does not look beautiful, but it is downright delicious!’ the chef said.

The dish is inspired by Turkish Menemen, to which she added some Oligold Cream Cheese and the ‘controversial’ onions (the debate on whether or not onions should be added to the dish never ends). Yes, she decided to add onions!

Then she goes, ‘Feel free to add mushrooms, cured meats, olives and capers to this scrambled egg concoction. I like to eat mine with some yogurt topped with black cherry jam.’

Enjoy!

Innobake Breakfast Eggs

Ingredients:

3- 4 large eggs, beaten

2- 3 tbsps. Beaoliva Olive Oil

1 pc. medium onion, minced

2-3 tbsps. minced green pepper (any type of green pepper will do)

1 cup Dolce e Italia Crushed Tomatoes, or more

A few sprigs of dill, as desired

1/2 to 1 tsp. sweet paprika

Cumin, oregano, thyme and chili flakes, as desired

Salt to taste

2-3 bsps. Oligold Cream Cheese, cubed

For serving:

2-4 slices bread, toasted

Tomato, sliced

Fresh dill

Procedure:

1. Heat the Beaoliva olive oil in a sauté pan. Add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in green bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add Dolce e Italia crushed tomatoes, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes or just until the oil rises to the surface. Add dill, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme and chili flakes. Mix well and then add the beaten eggs. Season with salt.

3. Stir gently and cook just until barely set. Add Oligold Cream Cheese and flip once.

4. Put toasted bread on a plate. Top with cooked eggs. Garnish with fresh dill and a slice of tomato. Serve immediately.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri rallied his colleagues in support of his resolution seeking the immediate lifting of the temporary restraining order against the P85 Metro Manila wage increase.

Zubiri authored Senate Resolution No. 577, which seeks to express the sense of the Senate in opposing the wage hike TRO.

‘I moved around and gathered signatures for cross-aisle support from all members of the majority and minority so the Senate can state clearly that the wage board’s decision should be final. It should be implemented and respected by the courts,’ Zubiri said.

All senators set aside their political differences to sign the resolution, Zubiri said, adding Sen. Robin Padilla helped gather signatures from the minority.

The resolution, signed by all senators, cited Article 126 of the Labor Code, which prohibits courts, tribunals or other entities from issuing injunctions or TROs against proceedings before the National Wages and Productivity Commission or the regional wage boards.

The resolution was filed following the controversial suspension of Wage Order No. NCR-27 issued by National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for a P85 increase to the daily minimum wage of private-sector workers in the National Capital Region.

It was stopped by a Pasig Regional Trial Court, which issued a TRO as requested by construction companies Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc.

Vice President Sara Duterte’s lead over Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has tightened in the latest hypothetical one-on-one presidential matchup released by the OCTA Research group.

The poll, conducted from July 4 to 11, found that 43 percent of the respondents would support Duterte in a hypothetical matchup against Robredo, who received 34 percent.

Support for Duterte went down from 46 percent in OCTA’s first quarter survey, while it went down from 35 percent for Robredo.

This means that the Vice President’s lead narrowed from 11 percentage points to just nine points.

The remaining 22 percent were undecided, up from 19 percent in the first quarter survey.

According to OCTA, the most notable change occurred among respondents in Metro Manila, where preference for Robredo declined from 52 percent to 34 percent.

‘Duterte’s share, by contrast, increased only two points, well within the margin of error,’ the firm said.

‘This transformed Robredo’s previous 20-point NCR advantage into a statistical tie,’ it added.

‘Crucially, this movement was accompanied by a substantial jump in the uncommitted share – from roughly 15 percent to 32 percent. The change therefore reads as a shift away from Robredo toward uncertainty, not a direct transfer of support to Duterte,’ it said.

OCTA said this change may be due to Robredo’s statement that she does not intend to run for president in 2028.

Mindanao support

Mindanao, meanwhile, remained Duterte’s base, although support went down from 88 percent to 76 percent.

‘The decline indicates some genuine softening in the intensity of Duterte’s Mindanao support, though it did not alter her dominance in the region. Subnational comparisons should still be interpreted with appropriate caution given the wider margins of error at that level,’ added OCTA.

The Vice President is facing an impeachment trial for alleged misuse of funds and supposedly hiring an assassin to kill President Marcos in the event of her death, among other charges.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.

Filipino-American singer Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, more popularly known as H.E.R., flexed her karaoke skills by performing a Filipino classic while in a New York City restaurant.

New York establishment Kalye shared a video of the award-winning artist singing Rey Valera’s “Maging Sino Ka Man,” particularly Sharon Cuneta’s version, which she covered for her movie of the same name with Robin Padilla.

“Mahal kita pagka’t mahal kita, iniisip nila ay hindi mahalaga, mahal kita maging sino ka man,” H.E.R. sings before inviting everyone in the restaurant to join her finishing the chorus.

Celebrities praised her intimate performance in the comments, including beauty queen Chelsea Manalo, Gian Magdangal, Sharon’s daughter KC Concepcion, and even streaming platform Spotify.

H.E.R. is the recipient of five Grammy Awards and one Oscar, best known for songs “I Can’t Breathe,” “Fight For You,” “Hard Place,” “Come Through,” “Slide,” “Focus,” “Damage,” “Could’ve Been,” and “Best Part” with Daniel Caesar.

The singer is currently making promotional rounds for “Forgotten Island,” Dreamworks Animation’s upcoming movie inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology, which she headlines alongside Liza Soberano and Lea Salonga.

Rolando Bregente matched par 72 on a rainy Wednesday to earn top seeding in men’s play of the NGAP’s Match Play Championship, even as the double championship bid of young Lisa Sarines will have to go through her twin sister Mona in the first round of the knockout matches at soggy Luisita in Tarlac.

Jet Hernandez, the player who has a shot at the men’s double, advanced as the No. 3 seed by shooting a 74 for 142, as Filipino-Japanese Shinichi Suzuki took No. 2 after a second round 70 to finish two shots behind the 24-year-old Bregente, who closed out the two-round qualifying with a 72 for 139.

‘I think half the challenge this week was making it to the match play stage,’ Hernandez, who won the Strokeplay title by 22 strokes over Bregente and Chris Remata last week, said as he battles teener Alexis Nailga, a multiple leg winner in the Junior PGT, who advanced as the 14th seed after rounds of 78 and 75.

Bregente, a member of the national pool like Hernandez, will be up against Ronel Taga-An, who fired an 80 to advance as the No. 16 seed, even as the 6-foot-3 Suzuki slugs it out with Geoffrey Tan.

A laptop is one of those purchases you want to get right. After all, it is the device that stays with you through late-night study sessions, work deadlines, creative projects, and everyday tasks.

So while features and performance matter, there is more to consider before making a choice: Will it last? Can you get support when you need it? Will it continue to deliver value over time?

With ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service, ASUS brings together trusted device quality and stronger after-sales support to give users more confidence in their investment. Here are five reasons why considering the complete ownership experience can make your next laptop purchase a smarter one.

1. A laptop built to last through everyday demandsA laptop is an investment that stays with users through different stages of life-from school to first jobs and beyond.

That is why durability matters. ASUS laptops are built with quality and reliability in mind, with select models tested to meet US Military-grade durability standards and pass up to 26 stress tests against various environmental and physical conditions.

Whether it is used in classrooms, cafés or workplaces, ASUS laptops are designed to keep up with users’ everyday demands.

2. Performance that supports changing needs

A laptop should be ready for whatever comes next-from finishing school projects and managing multiple tasks to taking on new challenges in the workplace.

ASUS laptops are equipped with powerful performance features designed to keep one’s productivity and support different needs, whether users are creating, collaborating, studying or starting their professional journey.

Because the right device is not just about meeting today’s requirements, but also about being prepared for the opportunities ahead.

3. Protection that goes beyond standard warranty coverage

Unexpected situations can happen. You know it: accidental drops and liquid spills to electrical surges and other physical damage. That is why warranty protection can be just as important as the laptop itself.

Through ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service, eligible ASUS laptops purchased starting June 8 2026, come with enhanced warranty benefits designed to provide longer-lasting protection and greater peace of mind.

Depending on the eligible model, users can enjoy up to three years of International and Local Onsite Warranty, with coverage across 90+ international countries and access to 100+ ASUS Service Centers and Drop-off Points in the Philippines.

The package also includes:

Up to 1-year Local Accidental Damage Protection under the ASUS Perfect Warranty. This covers one accidental damage claim within the first year of warranty at 100% free labor cost and up to 80% free spare parts cost coverage.

Users can also benefit from long-term device care through up to six times preventive maintenance services for free device cleaning.

An extended 14-day return policy for added purchase confidence.

With ASUS Warranty support built into the ownership experience, users can focus on achieving their goals knowing their device is backed by protection that lasts.

4. Reliable service when and where you need it

A laptop’s value extends beyond the purchase, and having accessible service support is an important factor in maintaining device performance over time.

With ASUS’ commitment to service excellence, users have access to trusted support through ASUS Service Centers nationwide for assistance, maintenance and repairs.

For a more secure ownership experience, purchase from official ASUS and ROG retailers. Find official ASUS and ROG retailers here: Official ASUS and ROG Retailers

5. More value through ASUS School-Ready Deals

A smarter laptop purchase means getting more value from the start. Through ASUS No. 1 Quality, School-Ready Deals, students and young professionals can enjoy added benefits on select ASUS and ROG devices.

Until August 31, participating devices come with a free additional one-year Local Accidental Damage Protection, while purchases of select ASUS laptops from ASUS and ROG Exclusive Stores nationwide also come with a free ASUS Marshmallow Mouse MD100.

Customers can also get up to P1,000 off on eligible ASUS accessories when purchased with participating ASUS, ROG and TUF devices from August 1 to September 15 at ASUS and ROG Exclusive Stores nationwide.

Investing in what comes next

For many students and fresh graduates, buying a laptop marks an important milestone.

Beyond specifications, the smartest laptop choice considers the entire experience: trusted quality, dependable performance, accessible service and protection that lasts.

With ‘Quality You Trust, Protection That Lasts,’ ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service gives users the confidence to choose a device designed not just for today’s needs, but for the years ahead.

Ombudsman prosecutors are asking the Sandiganbayan to reconsider the bail granted to former

senator Ramon Revilla Jr. in his malversation case. Revilla’s lawyer Reody Anthony Balisi said they will file their opposition to the motion.

Revilla was released last week after posting bail of P1 million.

Two of Revilla’s co-accused earlier appealed the court’s denial of their bail petitions.

Revilla is accused of receiving a 25 percent commitment fee for an alleged ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan worth P92.8 million.

The Department of Education (DepEd) will implement a ‘big brother system’ and hire more security guards in bigger public schools as it steps up efforts to address the recent surge in violence on school campuses, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced yesterday.

Presiding over the 80th executive committee meeting, Angara led discussions on strengthening school safety programs, including closer coordination with barangay officials and the development of guidelines to help schools respond to various situations.

Among the measures agreed upon was the implementation of a big brother system, a mechanism for guidance, support and monitoring of students’ welfare.

During the meeting, officials also committed to developing a manual for teachers to help them identify early warning signs and risk factors associated with bullying and school violence.

A safety index is in the works for schools and students, following a suggestion from the Department of Justice, to serve as a basis for assessing the level of safety and determining necessary interventions.

Following the recent incidents of campus violence, Angara reported that the department is also eyeing the hiring of more security guards, with priority to be given to larger public schools with around 1,000 to 1,500 students.

He acknowledged that aside from the learning crisis, DepEd is facing another crisis brought about by violence in schools.

‘Our suggestion is to start with larger schools because we have observed that most incidents of violence occur in very large schools,’ Angara told reporters, adding that the department’s limited budget would require prioritizing schools with larger student populations.

Angara also sought the assistance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who has operational control and supervision over the Philippine National Police, in strengthening campus security through increased police and barangay patrols.

More metal detectors will be procured to prevent students from bringing bladed weapons onto school campuses, while active shooter drills will now be part of regular school activities to orient students, teachers and school personnel on how to protect themselves during attacks by armed assailants.

DepEd’s intensified security measures come after a series of deadly incidents in schools.

On June 22, three students were killed and more than 20 others were wounded after two minors, aged 15 and 14, entered two classrooms and opened fire on 40 to 50 of their classmates at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte.

Most recently, a 13-year-old Grade 9 student was stabbed to death by his 14-year-old classmate at Las Piñas National High School on Friday following an argument over a P10 canteen change.

Special needs guidelines

In a separate development, the DepEd has issued interim guidelines clarifying the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for Special Needs Education Teachers (SNET) while revised qualification standards remain pending approval by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

A memorandum issued by the DepEd undersecretary for human resource and organizational development and infrastructure said guidelines specific to special needs education teachers are forthcoming.

It directed regional offices and schools division offices to temporarily defer the publication and appointment of vacant and newly created SNET positions pending the CSC’s approval of the revised qualification standards.

‘Immediate hiring actions using either the existing or proposed position titles may result in inconsistencies with applicable civil service rules and may adversely affect the validity of appointments,’ the memorandum read.

The ECP System reorganized teaching positions into a new career structure, including the retitling of Special Needs Education teaching positions from SPED Teacher I-V to Teacher IV-VII and Master Teacher I.

While incumbent teachers have begun transitioning under the new system, the revised qualification standards for newly created SNET positions have remained pending before the CSC since April 2026.

The memorandum also directed field offices to prepare documentary requirements needed to immediately begin hiring once the revised qualification standards are approved.

DepEd clarified that the retitling and reclassification of incumbent SNET teachers may continue under existing approved qualification standards as an interim measure.

EDCOM 2 welcomed the development, saying it provides much-needed clarity for schools and schools division offices on the continued retitling and reclassification of incumbent SNET teachers while ensuring personnel actions remain consistent with existing Civil Service rules.

‘These interim measures provide prompt clarification and guidance for our teachers, which is most welcome. We hope that DepEd and the Civil Service Commission can complete their process soon so schools can immediately proceed with the hiring of new special needs education teachers and ensure that learners with disabilities receive the specialized support they need,’ said Karol Mark Yee, executive director of EDCOM 2.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is setting up free WiFi in some of the country’s tourist hotbeds, allocating over P112 million for the project.

The DICT is looking for an internet service provider (ISP) with satellite capability to deliver the P112.43-million WiFi Internet Access in Tourists Spots (WITS).

The project will provide free internet in 323 areas identified as tourist hotspots, covering Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

In Aklan, WITS will cover the Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port, both of which send off tourists on ferries to Boracay. In Palawan, the program will put up free WiFi at the El Nido Beach in El Nido and White Beach in San Vicente.

Tourist hotbeds in the mountain are also listed as beneficiaries for the project. WITS will reach the registration area for the Hanging Coffins and Bontoc Museum, both in Mountain Province.

In Mindanao, the project will cover even the tourist destinations in some of the island’s farthest locations, including 20 sites in Zamboanga Peninsula, three in Basilan, two in Sulu and three in Tawi-Tawi.

The DICT is looking for an ISP that can supply, install and commission enterprise-grade internet per location using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

At the minimum, the service must deliver a download bandwidth of 100 Mbps, an upload speed of 10 Mbps, a data allocation of two TB and latency of below 60 milliseconds.

The contract will last 365 days, and the service must be online within 30 days from the issuance of the notice to proceed. Funding will be sourced from the special account in the general fund of the DICT, under its budget for the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).

The DICT is scheduled to conduct a pre-bid conference on Aug. 6. Afterward, the agency will end submissions and open the bids on Aug. 18.

The DICT is rushing to widen internet access as instructed by President Marcos, who aims to end his term in 2028 with 60 percent of Filipinos connected to the web.

The DICT is bridging the digital divide through a mix of private partnerships and own programs, such as the FPIAP, which places WiFi sites in public spaces.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s standing directive to arrest Sen. Bato dela Rosa remains in force, Malacañang said Thursday, as the lawmaker remained at large nearly three months after leaving the Senate.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said authorities were continuing operations to locate and arrest dela Rosa, who is wanted under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang operasyon para sa pag-aresto kay Senator Bato dela Rosa,” Castro said at a press briefing on August 6. (“Operations to arrest Senator Bato dela Rosa are continuing.”)

Rumors that dela Rosa had been arrested spread earlier this week following cryptic online posts by singer and lawyer Jimmy Bondoc and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Roque suggested without elaborating that someone had betrayed dela Rosa, while Bondoc posted that “bad news” was coming before deleting the message.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla denied the rumors Wednesday, saying dela Rosa had not been arrested or immediately taken to The Hague.

Remulla said the senator was last known to be somewhere in Mindanao.

Palace reviews spread of rumors

Castro said the Presidential Communications Office’s anti-fake news desk was reviewing how the false reports spread and whether they were circulated maliciously.

She also appealed to established news organizations to help counter unverified claims.

“Inaaral pa po kung ano ‘yung mga naipakalat, kung papaano naipakalat at ano ‘yung mga mensahe. ‘Yan po ay bubusisiin muna,” Castro said. (“We are still studying what was circulated, how it was spread and what the messages contained. These will first be examined closely.”)

Castro said the Palace was also studying whether penalties or other action may be warranted against those responsible. She did not specify which laws or sanctions were being considered.

At large since May. Dela Rosa resurfaced at the Senate on May 11 after months outside public view and was placed under the chamber’s protective custody.

He left the Senate premises before dawn on May 14 after a gun-related confrontation between Senate security personnel and National Bureau of Investigation agents seeking to arrest him.

The Department of Justice later ordered the NBI and Philippine National Police to enforce the ICC warrant.

The ICC alleges that dela Rosa bears responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder involving the killings of at least 32 people between July 2016 and April 2018 during the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa has denied wrongdoing and challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction.