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Cebu’s economic ascent is colliding with an aging power grid, as recurring supply alerts across the Visayas expose a widening gap between electricity demand and available capacity – a mismatch that risks denting one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing regional economies.

The region’s operating reserves fell to roughly 183 megawatts during recent grid alerts, a razor-thin buffer that leaves little room to absorb a plant trip, transmission fault, or unexpected demand spike.

The strain intensified in May, when transmission bottlenecks and tight supply in Luzon curbed the power transfers the Visayas has come to rely on – exposing the risks of a system built to import shortfalls rather than generate its own baseload.

‘We need more baseload supply,’ Anthony Almeda, president and chief executive officer of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) told lawmakers at a House hearing on May 26. ‘Otherwise, red alerts will continue to be a regular occurrence.’

Almeda called on policymakers to adopt a nationwide, resource-adequacy approach to power planning – one that diversifies generation technologies geographically and weans the Visayas off its dependence on Luzon and Mindanao imports, which he said should function as backup, not backbone.

Renewables Outpace Firm Capacity

The imbalance is stark in the project pipeline. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) May 2026 tally shows more than 3,880 megawatts of committed renewable projects in the Visayas, dwarfing about 312 megawatts of committed conventional capacity and roughly 420 megawatts of planned storage.

Yet committed capacity is not operating capacity: permitting delays, financing gaps, land disputes and grid-connection bottlenecks routinely push projects behind schedule, leaving the region’s reserve margins exposed in the interim.

Analysts say the fix isn’t a binary choice between clean and conventional power, but a coordination problem – ensuring generation, storage and transmission investments arrive in step with demand growth, rather than lagging it.

Local Governments step In

With Manila-led planning still catching up, Cebu is drafting its own roadmap.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro earlier said the province will craft a Provincial Energy Master Plan folding in national policy, local priorities and private-sector proposals, aiming to make Cebu ‘energy-secure, climate-resilient and future-ready.’

The stakes are commercial as much as technical. Cebu’s growth has been powered by manufacturing, tourism, business-process outsourcing, logistics and real estate – sectors highly sensitive to outages.

Carl Cabusas, president of the Talisay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the private sector wants execution, not more diagnosis. ‘We already know the challenge before us: demand is growing faster than available power supply,’ he said, urging faster buildout of generation and transmission alongside tighter public-private coordination.

For investors weighing the Visayas against other Southeast Asian manufacturing bases, reliability is becoming as decisive a factor as labor costs or logistics access. Whether the region closes its capacity gap – or continues to lean on strained inter-island transfers – will shape how much of that investment case holds up

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has denied releasing pesticide gas during a protest near the DENR central office in Quezon City.

The DENR issued the statement after activists from Southern Tagalog raised concerns over the smoke released during their protest action.

The DENR said what was seen was smoke due to disinfectant mist from routine defogging activities.

‘The DENR respects the right of every Filipino to peaceful assembly. What occurred was routine office defogging – a scheduled sanitation activity conducted inside the DENR compound,’ the agency said. ‘This procedure uses disinfectant mist, compliant with workplace hygiene standards. It is not used for crowd control.’

The DENR assured the public that no protesters were harmed.

‘While the mist may have been visible from outside the building, no chemical agents were directed toward the rally participants,’ the DENR said.

According to the official spot report of the Quezon City Police District, the protest rally held along Visayas Avenue ‘ended peacefully.’

The Philippine banking industry booked a net profit of P208.39 billion in the first half, up by 5.2 percent from P198.14 billion in the same period last year, as stronger interest earnings offset higher operating costs.

Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that the industry’s total operating income climbed by 11.2 percent to P761.14 billion as of end-June from P684.71 billion a year earlier.

The improvement was driven largely by net interest income, which increased by 13.1 percent to P638.95 billion from P564.98 billion.

Interest income rose by 8.7 percent to P870.73 billion from P800.86 billion, while interest expense slipped by 1.7 percent to P230.73 billion from P234.66 billion. This allowed banks to generate substantially higher net interest earnings during the period.

Meanwhile, non-interest income posted a more modest two-percent increase to P122.19 billion from P119.74 billion. Fees and commissions income grew by 7.5 percent to P95.68 billion from P89.02 billion, providing another source of revenue growth.

However, trading operations weighed on the industry’s non-interest earnings. Banks recorded a trading loss of P5.67 billion in the first half, reversing the P46.86-billion trading income recorded a year earlier.

The swing was largely driven by foreign exchange transactions, which resulted in a realized loss of P8.5 billion compared with a P54.95-billion gain in the same period in 2025. This was partly offset by a turnaround in other income, which reached P23.63 billion from a loss of P24.75 billion a year earlier.

On the cost side, non-interest expenses rose by 9.9 percent to P422.07 billion from P384.03 billion. The banking system likewise set aside substantially more funds against potential credit losses during the period.

Provisions for credit losses on loans and other financial assets surged by 32.2 percent to P111.33 billion from P84.19 billion a year ago.

Overall losses and recoveries on financial assets amounted to a net loss of P101.7 billion, wider than the P73.61-billion net loss recorded in the first half of 2025.

Despite the increase in credit-loss buffers and operating costs, profit before tax still rose by 4.7 percent to P255.89 billion from P244.48 billion.

Income tax expenses increased by 2.5 percent to P47.5 billion, leaving the industry with a net profit of P208.39 billion for the first six months of the year.

If you aren’t careful your work can kill you.

This literally became the case for a 33-year-old worker who died after being crushed to death by granite slabs he was helping to unload from a Canter truck in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Liloan town, Cebu, last Tuesday, July 21.

Liloan police said the slabs toppled over as the ropes used to secure them to the truck were being untied. Six of the slabs landed on the victim who was waiting beside the truck and he suffered severe injuries. He later died in the hospital.

The Department of Labor and Employment is now looking into the incident to determine any possible liability.

Like we always say in incidents like these, accidents don’t just happen. Accidents are always the consequence of a chain of events.

Somewhere in that chain a rule was not implemented. Somewhere in that chain a safety regulation was ignored. And someone paid the price for that with his life.

Maybe the ropes weren’t tied tightly enough. Maybe the wrong vehicle was used to transport the items. Maybe someone drove in a way that dislodged what was supposed to be a secure pile of heavy items. Maybe someone didn’t stand far away enough in case an accident happened. Maybe someone didn’t wear enough protective gear.

Because granite slabs are heavy we are sure there are practices when it comes to loading them, securing them to vehicles, transporting them, and unloading them at the site. But are such practices standard throughout different transport or construction companies. Are such practices consistent throughout the different vehicles they use?

DOLE should get to the bottom of this issue and recommend changes if it sees any room for improvement.

Sure, this was just an isolated incident; accidents like these don’t happen to people taking items to construction sites every day. But we really shouldn’t wait for a similar incident to happen again before we take preventive action.

Our workers, especially those who are exposed to hazards daily, are already paying the price in sweat and tears; there’s no need for them to pay in blood.

Inflation remains the top concern among Filipinos despite easing from its March peak, while graft and corruption has emerged as the country’s third most urgent issue amid heightened public attention to governance, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research.

The nationwide poll found that 37% of adult Filipinos identified controlling the increase in the prices of basic goods and services as the most urgent issue the Marcos administration should address, down eight percentage points from 45% in March.

“Even with this decline, inflation continued to rank as the number one national concern, underscoring the continued importance of cost-of-living issues to Filipino households,” OCTA said.

Improving workers’ wages and salaries remained the second most urgent concern at 34%, up slightly from 33% in the previous quarter.

“Together, these findings suggest that economic and cost-of-living issues continue to dominate the public’s policy priorities,” the research firm said. Concern over fighting graft and corruption climbed six percentage points, from 26% to 32%, making it the third most urgent national concern among respondents.

“This makes corruption the third most urgent national concern cited by adult Filipinos, reflecting heightened public attention to issues of transparency, accountability, and integrity in government,” OCTA said.

The survey also found concern over providing free quality education rising from 17% to 22%, while reducing poverty fell sharply from 20% to 12% – the lowest level recorded since the survey series began.

Other top concerns cited by respondents were access to affordable food (24%), fighting illegal drugs (16%), fulfilling the promise to lower rice prices (14%), creating more jobs (14%), providing assistance to the poor (10%) and reducing taxes (10%).

Health still top personal concern

On the personal level, staying healthy and avoiding illness remained Filipinos’ foremost concern, cited by 65% of respondents, although this was slightly lower than the 67% recorded in March.

Having enough food every day followed at 47%, while having savings and securing a stable, well-paying job were tied at 41%.

The survey also found 38% prioritized finishing school or providing education for their children, followed by owning a house and lot (36%) and avoiding becoming a victim of serious crime (32%).

“Taken together, the results indicate that while the sharpest edge of inflation-related concern has eased, cost-of-living and governance issues continue to shape Filipinos’ national outlook, while health, food security, and financial resilience remain the primary personal concerns of Filipino households,” OCTA said.

Survey conducted amid political, economic developments

OCTA noted that the survey was conducted from July 4 to 11, a period marked by major political and economic developments. However, it warned against drawing direct links between those events and public opinion.

“Although the survey does not establish causal relationships between these events and public opinion, it is important to situate the findings within their broader national and international context,” it said.

The survey fieldwork coincided with the opening of the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 6 and the arrest of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on plunder charges involving alleged undeclared campaign contributions.

Respondents were likewise interviewed as fuel prices increased following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, electricity rates went up and the June inflation report was released.

OCTA said the rise in concern over corruption came as public attention focused on governance issues.

“The rise in concern over graft and corruption, which moved corruption into third place nationally, coincides with heightened media coverage of the flood-control-fund scandal, the opening of the Vice President’s impeachment trial, and the arrest of a sitting senator on plunder charges. This timing may include, but is not limited to, these developments as contributing factors; the survey cannot confirm that any one of them specifically drove the shift,” it said.

The independent, non-commissioned survey interviewed 1,200 Filipinos aged 18 and above through face-to-face interviews nationwide. It has a ±3 percentage point margin of error at the 95% confidence level.

For many Filipino professionals, accepting a job abroad marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises career growth, higher earning potential and the opportunity to build a more secure future.

But while an overseas role can significantly increase one’s income, financial success is not determined by salary alone. It depends on the decisions made long before the first paycheck arrives and what happens after.

Relocating overseas comes with a range of upfront expenses, from airfare and housing deposits to relocation costs and everyday living expenses in an unfamiliar country. Without a clear financial plan, even professionals with competitive salaries may find themselves spending more than expected during their first few months abroad.

“An overseas career is one of the biggest financial milestones a Filipino professional can make,” said Metrobank. “While higher income creates new opportunities, long-term financial success depends on having a clear financial plan before you leave and the discipline to stay committed to it while you’re abroad.”

For Filipino professionals preparing for an international career, Metrobank shares seven practical financial moves to help maximize every opportunity from Day 1:

1. Look beyond your salary and understand your true cost of relocation

A higher salary can be attractive, but it should always be evaluated alongside the cost of living in your destination country.

Housing lease, taxes, transportation, insurance, healthcare, utilities and everyday expenses all affect how much of your income you’ll be able to save or invest.

Understanding these costs before relocating allows professionals to create realistic budgets and avoid unnecessary financial stress during their first few months abroad.

2. Organize your finances before you leave

Relocating overseas doesn’t mean leaving your financial responsibilities behind.

Before you leave, make sure you can continue to access your accounts, pay bills and manage your finances remotely through secure digital banking services. Automating essential transactions where appropriate also helps minimize disruptions while you settle into your new role abroad.

Taking these steps before relocating minimizes disruptions and gives you one less thing to worry about as you adjust to a new country and workplace.

3. Build a relocation fund alongside your emergency fund

Many professionals prepare for emergencies, but fewer plan for the unexpected costs that come with starting life overseas.

Rental deposits, temporary accommodation costs, furniture purchases, transportation expenses and administrative requirements can quickly add up during your first few weeks abroad.

Aside from maintaining an emergency fund worth at least three to six months of living expenses, consider setting aside a separate relocation fund to cover these transition costs without affecting your long-term savings.

4. Make your first paycheck count

Receiving your first overseas salary can feel rewarding after months of preparation, but it also presents an opportunity to start managing your hard-earned money smartly.

Rather than increasing spending immediately, prioritize essential living expenses, build your emergency savings, continue investing and allocate funds toward your long-term goals before expanding discretionary spending.

“The first paycheck often sets the tone for everything that follows. That is why professionals who establish disciplined financial habits early on are better positioned to maximize the opportunities that working overseas provides,” Metrobank said.

5. Set your family’s expectations early

Supporting loved ones back home remains a priority for many overseas Filipinos. But sustainable remittance planning goes beyond sending money on a fixed date every month.

Agree on a realistic amount with your family, taking into account your living expenses, savings goals and financial commitments abroad. Consider transaction fees, exchange rates, and the convenience of your chosen remittance channel to ensure that more of your hard-earned money reaches its intended purpose.

It can also be helpful to maintain a separate savings account in the Philippines dedicated to long-term goals such as buying a home, funding future investments or preparing for your return.

Choosing a secure and reliable remittance partner is just as important as deciding how much to send. Through MetroRemit, Metrobank’s money remittance app, the Bank enables overseas Filipinos in key markets to send money directly to the Metrobank accounts of their beneficiaries or through its over 11,000 cash pickup partners in the country, making it easier to support loved ones while keeping remittances aligned with long-term financial goals.

6. Continue building your savings fund while you’re abroad

Working overseas shouldn’t put long-term financial goals on hold.

Whether you’re investing regularly, saving for your first property, building retirement funds or setting aside capital for a future business, consistency matters more than timing.

The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow alongside your overseas career.

7. Define what success looks like before you leave

Every overseas assignment should support a larger life goal.

For some, that means buying a home. For others, it is funding a child’s education, building an investment portfolio, or returning to the Philippines with greater financial security.

“Many Filipino professionals relocate abroad to create better opportunities, not only for their families, but also for themselves and having a clear financial plan ensures that every paycheck moves them closer to the future they envision,” Metrobank said.

Working overseas is about more than earning a bigger paycheck. It’s about turning years of sacrifice into lasting financial security through intentional decisions and consistent financial habits.

Whether it is sending money home, managing day-to-day finances, growing savings, or investing for the future, Metrobank supports Filipinos abroad through MetroRemit, digital banking, savings and investment solutions, and its international and domestic presence.

For many young Filipinos, SB19 is more than a chart-topping Pinoy Pop (P-pop) group.

Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin have become symbols of a generation that’s proudly embracing Filipino talent on the global stage. Their music has filled arenas around the world, but it’s their authenticity, relentless work ethic and unwavering pride in being Filipino that have earned them a loyal following.

Their success isn’t simply about producing hit songs. It’s about proving that staying true to your roots can also be the key to moving forward.

That’s why SB19’s influence extends beyond music.

For many fans, the group has become a source of inspiration not only in pursuing their dreams but also in celebrating Filipino culture. Whether through music, language or everyday traditions, SB19 has shown that being proudly Filipino never goes out of style.

When shared values bring brands together

It’s also why the brands that partner with SB19 aren’t simply looking for celebrity endorsers. The strongest collaborations happen when both sides stand for something bigger than a campaign. They reflect shared values, authentic stories and a genuine connection with the people they hope to reach.

That’s what makes SB19’s partnership with Datu Puti feel like a natural fit.

A product of NutriAsia, Datu Puti was founded by Hernan Reyes in 1975, pioneered the Philippine vinegar industry, and became the country’s leading vinegar brand. Over the years, it expanded beyond vinegar into soy sauce and other trusted kitchen staples, becoming part of generations of Filipino family meals.

Today, nearly five decades later, the brand continues to evolve while staying rooted in the traditions that have long defined Filipino home cooking.

Like SB19, Datu Puti has earned lasting trust not by standing still, but by growing alongside the people it serves.

Keeping traditions alive for today’s generation

The Filipino kitchen looks different today than it did a generation ago.

Many young adults, much like SB19 themselves, are navigating a new stage of life. They’re cooking in their first apartments, balancing busy careers or starting families of their own.

Instead of handwritten recipe notebooks, they’re just as likely to learn from TikTok, YouTube, or a message in the family group chat.

But while the way Filipinos learn to cook has changed, the desire to prepare meals that feel like home hasn’t.

It’s this shared understanding of today’s generation that makes the partnership meaningful. While SB19 continues to inspire young Filipinos through their music and story, Datu Puti hopes to inspire the same generation to rediscover the joy of home cooking.

Recognizing these changing lifestyles, Datu Puti introduced the Adobo Series, a ready-to-use line of cooking sauces inspired by one of the country’s most beloved dishes.

Available in Classic Adobo, Spicy Adobo, Pininyahang Adobo, Adobo sa Gata, and Humba variants, the lineup makes it easier for today’s home cooks to recreate familiar Filipino flavors in three simple steps: Pour. Cook. Serve.

“The brands that stand the test of time are the ones that continue to listen to the people they serve. At Datu Puti, we’ve grown alongside generations of Filipino families, and every innovation we introduce is rooted in one goal: helping keep Filipino food traditions alive in ways that fit today’s lifestyles. Through innovations like the Datu Puti Adobo Series, we hope to inspire a new generation to discover the joy of home cooking while staying connected to the flavors and traditions that have long brought Filipinos together,” said Joana Lagurin, senior brand manager of Datu Puti.

More than a brand partnership

The strongest brand collaborations aren’t built on star power alone. They endure because they tell authentic stories that connect with the everyday experiences of Filipinos.

For SB19, that story has always been about proudly representing the Philippines while inspiring a new generation to embrace its culture and identity. For Datu Puti, it’s about ensuring that Filipino food traditions continue to thrive in modern kitchens.

From the concert stage to the family kitchen, SB19 demonstrates that influence isn’t measured solely by chart-topping songs or sold-out arenas. It is also reflected in the values they choose to champion and the conversations they help spark.

By lending their voice to a heritage brand that has long been part of Filipino homes, they remind a generation raised in a fast-moving, digital world that culture is not preserved only in museums.

It lives in everyday rituals, from the meals we prepare to the traditions we pass on.

BDO Unibank Inc. saw its first-half earnings edge higher to P40.7 billion as double-digit loan growth and stronger core revenues offset higher provisions set aside for emerging credit risks.

The Sy-led bank’s net income was only slightly above the P40.6 billion recorded in the same period last year, reflecting the continued resilience of BDO’s core businesses. Return on equity stood at 12.7 percent.

Despite the modest increase in the bottom line, BDO posted stronger underlying operations during the six-month period as lending expanded across all business segments and asset quality continued to improve.

Net interest income, the bank’s main revenue source, climbed by 11 percent year on year as gross customer loans grew by 15 percent to P3.9 trillion.

BDO said the expansion was broad-based, with all loan segments posting double-digit growth. The bank also said its loan portfolio continued to outpace industry growth.

Total deposits rose by 13 percent, while low-cost current and savings account deposits increased by four percent.

Non-interest income, meanwhile, went up by four percent, supported mainly by a 14-percent increase in contributions from insurance operations.

With operating expenses kept at a single-digit growth pace, BDO’s pre-provision operating profit advanced by 12 percent during the period.

However, the country’s largest bank raised provisions for potential credit losses as a buffer against risks in the operating environment.

BDO described the increase in provisions as a ‘prudential measure against evolving risks,’ even as its asset quality indicators improved during the first half.

Its non-performing loan ratio eased to 1.64 percent from 1.75 percent a year earlier, indicating that a smaller portion of its loan book had turned sour. NPL coverage, which measures the amount of reserves available against bad loans, stood at 132 percent.

BDO also maintained strong capital buffers. Shareholders’ equity rose by eight percent, while book value per share increased to P121.78. Its common equity tier 1 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,’ BDO said.

As of end-March, BDO remained the country’s largest bank in terms of assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management. It operates more than 2,000 consolidated branches and over 7,900 teller machines nationwide.

For ambitious professionals across Asia, modern life is increasingly fast-paced, dynamic and sophisticated. As lifestyles evolve, living spaces are being thoughtfully designed to support greater comfort, wellness and ease in everyday routines.

Among these spaces, the bathroom plays a uniquely important role-a place to prepare for the day ahead and to unwind reset and recharge at day’s end.

The Acacia Supasleek Collection by American Standard is designed with this purpose in mind.

At first glance, its architectural lines and slim, refined silhouette create an impression of understated sophistication. Clean forms and balanced proportions bring a sense of calm and order to the space, transforming the bathroom into a modern sanctuary.

Yet the collection’s beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Every subtle curve, tapered edge and softly pillowed surface has been carefully considered to create intuitive experiences that elevate everyday rituals.

The result is a design language that feels both contemporary and welcoming-one that seamlessly combines visual elegance with trusted functionality.

Viewed from every angle, the Acacia Supasleek Collection reveals a thoughtful balance between minimalist design, exceptional comfort and purposeful innovation, delivering a bathroom experience that inspires confidence and peace of mind everyday.

Purposeful innovation for everyday living

The best designs are those that work effortlessly in the background, making everyday interactions more intuitive and enjoyable.

The Acacia Supasleek Collection features precision-engineered fittings that bring together tactile comfort, ergonomic control and lasting performance.

Equipped with ComfortMove, the basin faucets and mixers provide exceptionally smooth lever movement, allowing precise control of water flow and temperature while ensuring reliable operation for years to come.

Supporting a more sustainable lifestyle, EcoStart technology delivers cold water when the lever is first lifted, helping reduce unnecessary water heater activation.

This simple yet effective innovation can contribute to energy savings of up to 30%, seamlessly integrating sustainability into daily routines without requiring any change in user behavior.

Designed for modern aesthetics and superior hygiene

Complementing the collection’s refined fittings are advanced ceramic innovations designed to enhance both aesthetics and cleanliness.

The ThinEdge basin features an ultra-slim 5mm rim that creates a sleek, contemporary profile while maximizing usable basin space within a compact footprint. Thoughtfully designed raised edges help contain splashes, ensuring a cleaner and more comfortable user experience.

Beneath the elegant appearance of the toilet lies the power of the HygieneClean System.

Combining a rimless Power Rim design, Double Vortex flushing technology, Aqua Ceramic’s super-hydrophilic surface that resists stains, and ComfortClean antibacterial glaze that inhibits bacterial growth. The result is a bathroom that stays cleaner for longer while reducing the effort required for maintenance.

A collection designed to elevate everyday

A truly beautiful space should not only look exceptional-it should be effortless to live in.

The Acacia Supasleek Collection brings together sophisticated design, enduring durability, sustainable innovation and advanced hygiene technologies to create a bathroom environment that supports modern lifestyles with ease.

Discover how the Acacia Supasleek Collection can elevate your everyday living.

Senate blue ribbon chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo accused the minority of blocking the panel from reopening its flood control probe, saying the reason was “obvious” given whom former chair Ping Lacson has been closing in on.

Tulfo said the same individuals who once goaded the chamber’s leadership into resuming the investigation – and accused the majority of a cover-up – were now pleading for the hearings to be dropped.

“Actually, the one blocking, to tell you the truth, honestly, is the other side. It’s not us in the majority,” Tulfo said in mixed English and Filipino, in an interview with reporters on Tuesday, July 28. “Real talk, they are now asking us not to continue with the Blue Ribbon.”

Without naming names, Tulfo said the minority needed to be upfront with the public on why they want the Blue Ribbon committee to hold off on resuming the flood control investigation.

“You are the ones who have been goading this leadership, including me. You accused us of hiding. But it turns out, [you have a] plan not to resume the Blue Ribbon hearing,” Tulfo said.

“You have to explain it to the media, you have to explain it to the public that it is your side that doesn’t want this probe,” he added.

Pressed on why the minority would want the probe stopped, Tulfo demurred that the reason was “obvious.”

Asked to elaborate, he said only that it was obvious based on who Lacson has recently been urging to be investigated.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has been locked in a public feud with Lacson, who has alleged multibillion-peso “ghost” flood control projects in Taguig, Cayetano’s bailiwick.

Cayetano has denied Lacson’s claims and challenged him to show actual proof.

Lacson’s partial committee report as former blue ribbon chair had recommended that the Ombudsman further investigate Sens. Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva over alleged kickbacks from flood control works.

This drew fierce backlash from the Cayetano-led bloc.

The Ombudsman has since filed plunder and graft charges against Estrada.

Hearings eyed next week

Tulfo said the committee is targeting to resume hearings next week, but must first have its membership formalized on the Senate floor.

He earlier said the panel would be constituted on the morning of the July 27 State of the Nation Address, as hearings cannot proceed until the membership is declared official.

Tulfo also briefly spoke about Lacson’s decision to bring his own allegations of anomalies in Taguig’s infrastructure projects straight to the Ombudsman.

He said the committee would keep its hands off the case. “Choice niya po yun. Alangan naman agawin namin sa Ombudsman – nasa Ombudsman na po yun, kaya hindi namin pakikialaman,” he said, adding Lacson may have wanted to fast-track the cases.

He said the panel remains open to complaints against other government officials beyond the flood control mess.

Tulfo first took over the Blue Ribbon in an acting capacity in October after Lacson resigned as chair, citing colleagues’ disappointment with the “direction” of the flood control hearings.

He was elected the chairperson in June following a leadership shake-up in the chamber.