Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday issued a tsunami warning for nine provinces in Mindanao following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck at 7:37 a.m.

Phivolcs urged residents in coastal communities of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato to immediately move to higher ground or farther inland as a precaution against possible tsunami waves.

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‘Based on the local tsunami scenario database, wave heights of more than one meter above normal tide levels are expected and may be higher in enclosed bays and straits,’ the agency said.

Phivolcs said the first tsunami waves could arrive between 7:37 a.m. and 9:37 a.m. on June 8, warning that tsunami activity may persist for several hours.

Meanwhile, internet and electricity services were disrupted in parts of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as authorities continued assessing the impact of the earthquake.

Several transmission lines in Southwestern Mindanao were damaged following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on Monday, June 8, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

In a statement released to the media as of 9:30 a.m., NGCP said the affected transmission lines serve areas in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sarangani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

‘NGCP is still assessing the extent of the damage in Southwestern Mindanao, near the epicenter of today’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake,’ the statement said.

However, the grid operator reported that transmission services in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental had already been restored as of 8:20 a.m.

NGCP also said that power transmission services in the Northeastern, Northwestern, North Central, and Lanao areas remain stable.

The corporation assured the public that it would provide further updates as more information on the extent of the damage becomes available.

The earthquake struck near Maasim, Sarangani Province, affecting nearby provinces, particularly General Santos City and the municipality of Polomolok in South Cotabato. Initial reports indicated damage to buildings and other infrastructure. The tremor was also strongly felt in Davao City.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) placed all concerned local government units (LGUs) on full alert and ordered the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to raise a Code Red alert following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.

‘We call on all local governments, responders, and communities to work together, remain alert, and take all necessary precautions as authorities continue assessment and response operations in affected areas,’ the DILG said on Monday.

According to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. at a depth of 33 kilometers.

Its epicenter was located 32 kilometers south, 4 degrees west offshore of Maasim, Sarangani province, in the south-southwestern portion of Mindanao.

A magnitude 6.7 aftershock was later recorded in nearby provinces.

In response, the DILG instructed affected LGUs to activate their Emergency Operations Centers and the Disaster Online Reporting and Monitoring System.

It also directed them to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to ensure immediate and coordinated response actions.

LGUs were reminded to identify safe evacuation areas and assess the structural integrity of evacuation centers and other facilities for displaced residents to ensure resilience against aftershocks and further seismic activity.

Local chief executives were further directed to conduct Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, inspect critical infrastructure, assess damage levels, and closely monitor conditions in their respective areas.

The BFP in Regions XI and XII has been placed under Code Red Alert Status, with off-duty personnel on standby as rapid assessments continue in affected communities.

The DILG urged the public to remain alert, follow instructions from local authorities, observe evacuation protocols, and exercise caution, especially in coastal areas, amid the risk of aftershocks and possible tsunami-related hazards.

The Philippines has served multiple times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), most recently from 2004 to 2005. In June 2026, it again sought a seat-but failed.

The setback is significant. At a time of rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea and broader geopolitical shifts in the South China Sea, a UNSC seat would have provided a critical platform to advance the country’s security and diplomatic interests. As a middle power with a long-standing democratic tradition, the Philippines is well positioned to advocate for a rules-based international order and promote a human-security-centered approach to global governance.

The country also brings credible peacebuilding experience to the table. Decades of navigating complex negotiations with non-state armed groups-from the 1976 Tripoli Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-offer profound, practical lessons in conflict resolution and post-conflict governance. These are not trivial credentials; they are precisely the experiences that could have strengthened the Philippines’ voice in global security discussions.

And yet, these strengths were simply not enough.

Securing a seat on the UNSC ultimately depends on diplomatic credibility, policy coherence, and political stability-areas where the Philippines continues to fall short. Persistent infighting among leaders, highly visible institutional clashes between the executive and legislative branches, and inconsistent policy signals undermine our international standing. To the rest of the world, these domestic rifts are read as signs of fragility and unpredictability.

Recent squabbles within key institutions-particularly the Senate-have only deepened these doubts. The spectacle of shifting alliances, public mudslinging, and performative grandstanding has reduced legislative governance to cheap political theater. This is both embarrassing and strategically damaging. To external observers, it signals a lack of discipline, coherence, and seriousness. A country that cannot manage its own institutions without descending into a media circus will always struggle to convince the international community that it is ready to help manage global security.

Such dysfunction inevitably destroys the country’s case. The failed bid, therefore, is far more than a diplomatic loss; it reflects a yawning gap between the Philippines’ global ambitions and the harsh realities of its domestic governance. For a nation that seeks to shape international norms, credibility cannot be episodic. It must be sustained.

This requires far more than surface-level reforms. It demands a coherent, disciplined governance system-one that prioritizes policy continuity over political expediency, institutional integrity over factional interests, and long-term national strategy over short-term political gains. The legislative and executive branches must function as coordinated pillars of governance capable of delivering clear, stable, and predictable policy signals to the world.

Equally critical is the strengthening of accountability mechanisms and bureaucratic capacity. A professional, rules-based public sector-shielded from excessive politicization-is essential to ensuring that policies are not merely announced, but effectively implemented. Transparency, consistency, and responsiveness must become the norm, not the exception. Without these internal anchors, even the most well-articulated foreign policy positions will ring hollow in the eyes of the international community.

Good governance, in this sense, is not a domestic luxury-it is a strategic necessity. It is the currency that allows a country to convert its baseline assets-its democratic credentials, peacebuilding experience, and regional relevance-into real global influence. Until the Philippines addresses these structural weaknesses, it will continue to face a crippling credibility gap: its potential will be recognized, but its ability to lead will fall short. Building global influence, ultimately, begins at home.

The missed opportunity is stark. A seat on the UNSC would have allowed the Philippines to amplify its positions on maritime security, international law, and conflict resolution. Instead, we remain on the sidelines-deeply affected by global decisions, but with limited power to shape them.

Still, this is not an argument for retreat. It is a call for urgent recalibration. If the Philippines is serious about playing a larger role in global governance, it must invest heavily in stability at home. Building genuine influence requires more than impressive qualifications on paper-it demands internal consistency, political discipline, and institutional strength.

The failed bid is a tough diplomatic setback. If the Philippines is to claim a meaningful role in shaping global security, it must first demonstrate domestic coherence and reliability. International influence is earned through sustained governance and disciplined, strategic diplomacy.

If our leaders truly want a seat at the global table, they must drop the tantrums and the theatrics, end the factional warfare, and finally get to work.

As global fuel prices remain highly volatile amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, logistics providers across industries are facing mounting operational pressures. Despite these challenges, K-Logistikus Philippines reaffirms its commitment to reliability, efficiency, and client success–demonstrating resilience through innovation and strategic adaptation.

At the core of K-Logistikus’ response is its investment in IT Systems for Demand-Driven Logistics (DDL) and cross-docking solutions, which have enabled the company to explore more fuel-efficient and cost-conscious delivery methods. These systems reduce unnecessary storage and transportation cycles, allowing goods to move more directly from suppliers to end destinations.

One key strategy currently being implemented is shipment consolidation, where items bound for multiple store chains are delivered in a single, optimized schedule. This approach significantly reduces the number of trips required, lowering fuel consumption while maintaining delivery timelines.

Complementing this is the adoption of order-per-demand arrangements, ensuring that shipments are aligned closely with actual retail movement. By minimizing excess inventory and preventing overstocking of slow-moving goods, K-Logistikus helps clients maintain leaner, more efficient supply chains especially crucial during periods of economic uncertainty.

‘Our priority has always been to deliver value to our clients, regardless of external challenges,’ said Arlene Villar, Director for Business Development and Key Accounts Management. ‘Through demand-driven logistics and smarter delivery models like consolidation and cross­ docking, we are able to navigate the fuel crisis while ensuring our partners continue to operate smoothly.’

As the logistics landscape evolves, K-Logistikus remains steadfast in its mission: to provide dependable, forward-thinking solutions that empower businesses to thrive even in the face of global disruption.

The camp of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who claims he’s still the Senate president, is proposing possible interim administrative arrangements to the new majority group now led by Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian.

One possible arrangement is the adoption of a dual-signatory or joint certification by current officials and those still asserting authority on important documents such as checks and contracts, according to Atty. Jose Luis Montales, who was Senate secretary under Cayetano’s leadership.

The proposal was contained in Montales’ letter to newly-installed Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. on Monday.

‘While we may hold differing views regarding the legality and effects of the proceedings conducted on 3 June 2026, we believe we can agree on two important objectives: first, that the institutional operations of the Senate should continue unimpeded; and second, that the impeachment proceedings should move forward in an orderly and timely manner,’ Montales said.

It was during the June 03 session of the Senate when 12 senators present approved a motion to declare all seats vacant, followed by the elections of new officials, including Gatchalian.

But the Cayetano bloc refused to recognize the new majority group, insisting that the June 3 session was illegal and constitute serious violations of the Constitution and the Rules of the Senate.

‘At this point, it would be unfortunate if administrative, financial, logistical, or procedural concerns were to compound the legal and political issues that have already arisen. We believe it would be in the best interest of the Senate and the Impeachment Court to avoid any unnecessary disruption to their operations and to the orderly conduct of the proceedings,’ Montales went on.

‘Consistent with these objectives, SP Cayetano has asked me to explore with you possible interim administrative arrangements that may protect Senate personnel from conflicting directives and enable both the Senate and the Impeachment Court to continue functioning while the present controversy remains unresolved,’ he added.

Montales particularly requested a meeting this Monday with Bantug. Inquirer has reached out to Bantug for comment but he has yet to respond as of posting.

According to Montales, Cayetano has asked him to present one possible interim arrangement that may be considered by the new majority and that is the ‘adoption of a dual-signatory or joint-certification mechanism for vouchers, checks, disbursements, contracts, personnel actions, and other documents necessary for the continued operations of the Senate and the Impeachment Court.’

‘Under such an arrangement, documents requiring approval or certification may, where practicable, bear the signatures of the officials presently exercising the relevant functions and those asserting authority to perform the same functions,’ the letter read, still citing Cayetano’s proposal.

‘The objective of such a mechanism is not to confer, concede, recognize, or validate authority in any person, but rather to ensure continuity of operations, protect Senate personnel from conflicting directives, preserve public funds and institutional processes, and enable the Senate and the Impeachment Court to function while the controversy remains unresolved,’ it further read.

The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 18, exactly a week after Cayetano took the helm of the chamber, replacing Sen. Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III.

Chelsea Manalo and Cole Micek reached a relationship milestone as they marked their first anniversary as a couple with a romantic photo shoot at the beach.

Manalo took to Instagram to pen a sweet anniversary message to the Filipino-American basketball player, saying she manifested the love that she now has, and was blessed with even more.

‘I manifested this kind of love so hard (if you know, you know): something pure, calm, supportive, and real. I prayed for it, and God gave me more than I could’ve imagined. 365 days later, I still feel like the luckiest,’ she wrote on Sunday, June 7.

The post was accompanied by their pictures at the beach, along with a clip of them dancing by the shore.

‘Thank you for bringing so much peace, love, light, and an endless amount of laughter into my life. I’m not the most lovey with words, but you’re my always. Happy one year, CM!’ concluded the beauty queen.

Micek, meanwhile, shared a video of them posing for the camera as he penned his own anniversary message for Manalo.

‘Happy anniversary, baby! I love you always, CM. Thank you for your love, your strength, your unending support, and for being the most beautiful soul,’ he wrote on Facebook.

‘Can’t wait for another 365 days of our adventures, our belly-laughter moments, our downtime, and cuddles with Cashew [paw prints] (if he ever stops biting us, lol),’ he concluded.

Manalo and Micek first sparked dating rumors in 2025 after they posted several sweet TikTok content of each other.

In June 2025, the beauty queen shared that they were getting to know each other but would like to keep things between them ‘private.’

Manalo and Micek first met during a magazine cover shoot in Los Angeles in December 2023. They later crossed paths again when he served as a judge for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 in Manila.

Last October, Micek publicly greeted Manalo during her birthday and called her ‘baby.’

Manalo rose to fame after winning the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 title. She represented the country at the global tilt, where she was named Miss Universe Asia.

The House prosecution panel for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial said her official reply to the charges offered no ‘material response,’ as it filed a manifestation on Monday that stopped short of a formal rebuttal as such would serve no ‘useful purpose’ for the proceedings.

The five-page manifestation, submitted by House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil to the Senate, said that Duterte merely raised ‘procedural, jurisdiction and constitutional objections’ instead of counter-evidence against the accusations of wrongdoing against her

‘The Answer raises no material factual issue that requires a responsive pleading,’ it said.

‘It does not meaningfully engage the factual allegations in the Articles of Impeachment, but instead concentrates on procedural, jurisdictional, and constitutional objections directed against the continuation of the proceedings.’

The prosecution team’s manifestation to Duterte’s answer capped the initial phase of her impeachment proceedings, which began when the Senate convened as a court on May 18 and called for Duterte’s response on May 20.

The vice president officially replied on June 1, with her lawyers arguing the impeachment charges ‘suffer from fatal constitutional, procedural and substantive defects’ and, therefore, should be dismissed.

‘The Answer offers no coherent factual narrative that directly refutes the charges set forth in the Articles of Impeachment,’ the prosecution’s manifestation said.

Duterte was impeached by the House on May 11, after 257 lawmakers overwhelmingly endorsed the accusations that the vice president misused secret funds allotted to her office, bribed officials to circumvent procurement guidelines, amassed unexplained wealth, and plotted to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated if she were killed.

The vice president’s reply to the impeachment charges did not provide an explanation addressing the substance of the allegations, ‘therefore the Answer does not function as a genuine response to the charges, but as an attempt to secure the outright dismissal of the impeachment case on threshold of constitutional and procedural grounds,’ according to the manifestation.

The prosecution team’s submission said the Senate’s impeachment rules and the 1987 Constitution do not allow dismissal of the case based on Duterte’s assertions, stressing that only a full-blown trial could resolve it.

‘But seeking a disposition outside this framework, the Answer attempts to ventilate matters that properly belong to the trial proper,’ the manifestation said.

It added that the objections raised by Duterte in her formal response questioned the lower chamber’s power to initiate impeachment proceedings, a power that ‘cannot be subjected to review, revision or nullification by the Senate.’

Duterte’s answer raised the notion that the House committee on justice exceeded the constitutional limits of its authority when it held a ‘mini-trial’ in April, during which the panel held a series of ‘clarificatory hearings’ examining the trove of evidence supporting the charges against her.

‘To entertain such issues at this stage, would, in effect, convert the Senate into an appellate reviewing authority over a constitutionally independent act of initiation by the House,’ the manifestation stated.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck parts of Mindanao on Monday morning, June 8, disrupting the opening day of classes and prompting the suspension of classes and government work in several areas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake occurred at 7:37 a.m., with its epicenter located about 125 kilometers northeast of Sarangani.

The strong tremor sent students and teachers rushing out of classrooms as school officials activated emergency protocols on the first day of the school year.

In Koronadal City, the regional center of Soccsksargen (Region 12), internet, electricity, and water services were disrupted following the quake.

Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, while Kidapawan City also suspended classes and government work as authorities assessed possible damage.

At the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School and other schools in the city, students were evacuated from their classrooms as a precautionary measure.

In General Santos City, portions of the SM City mall reportedly sustained damage from the tremor.

Phivolcs reported Intensity VII in General Santos City; Intensity VI in Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat; and Intensity V in Davao City, Kidapawan City, Carmen in Cotabato Province, Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat, as well as Sibuco and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte.

The agency said aftershocks were expected as authorities continued monitoring the situation.

No casualties were immediately reported as of posting time.

Canned food maker Century Pacific Food Inc. said two people died after a portion of a warehouse wall at one of its facilities collapsed during the powerful earthquake that struck General Santos City on Monday.

In a statement, the company said preliminary information indicated that the wall gave way due to the earthquake, resulting in two fatalities.

‘Based on preliminary information, a portion of a warehouse wall within our facility collapsed due to the earthquake, resulting in the death of two individuals. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by this incident and will provide all necessary assistance they may require,’ Century Pacific executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Banzon said.

Century Pacific, the maker of Century Tuna and 555 Tuna, expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and said it would provide all necessary assistance.

The company said it had temporarily suspended operations to ensure the safety of its employees while response efforts and investigations were ongoing.

Century Pacific added that it was coordinating with local authorities and extending support to residents of Purok Filomena, one of the communities affected by the incident.

The company maintained that the warehouse facility had been built and maintained in compliance with applicable building and safety regulations.

‘Our immediate priority is to support the ongoing response efforts, ensure the safety of the affected community and cooperate fully with local authorities,’ Banzon said.