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Former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales posted P180,000 bail in two of three of his graft cases before two Sandiganbayan divisions, the anti-graft court confirmed on Monday.

The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed three counts of graft against Gonzales over his alleged links to construction firms that secured public works contracts in flood control projects worth P611 million while he was in office.

Gonzales’ three graft cases were raffled off to the Second, Third and Seventh divisions.

The Seventh Division clerk of court told reporters that he posted the bail on Saturday. Sandiganbayan offices have a skeletal workforce every Saturday.

As for the Second Division, its clerk of court also confirmed that he posted another P90,000 bail on Friday.

The Third Division has yet to issue an arrest warrant against Gonzales, according to its clerk of court.

In its Joint Resolution, the Ombudsman found prima facie evidence against Gonzales for having a prohibited financial interest in a construction firm during his term as a lawmaker.

Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, prohibits public officials from having a direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in a business, contract or transaction in which they intervene or take part in their official capacity.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and his sister, Sen. Pia Cayetano, scrutinized the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) on Monday over its supposed focus on inspecting projects in Taguig City.

The senators pointed out the LLDA’s seemingly ‘special interest’ in Taguig City, led by Sen. Alan’s wife, Mayor Lani Cayetano, despite the agency’s jurisdiction over the Calabarzon region and other places in Metro Manila, such as Muntinlupa City.

Sen. Alan asked LLDA Acting General Manager Leopoldo Parumog about the agency’s inspections of developments along the Laguna de Bay shoreline.

According to Parumog, cease-and-desist orders (CDOs) had been issued for developments in Muntinlupa, Angono, Rizal, and Taguig. But the senator questioned why there was media coverage when a CDO board was placed at a reclamation project in Taguig, unlike in the other projects.

‘I didn’t call the media,’ Parumog said, explaining that the visit was led by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).

The senator then asked about a supposed 50-hectare property in Taytay, Rizal, that the LLDA had investigated.

When Parumog failed to respond, LLDA support staff member Atty. Marian Soriano said they were not privy to the details of the case.

‘How come you three aren’t privy to that land? You said you weren’t just looking at Taguig. What happened to that land in Taytay? You filed a lawsuit with the LLDA. Why don’t you know?’ the lawmaker asked.

Later, Sen. Pia flagged the LLDA’s social media platform for sharing updates only on its inspections in Taguig.

‘Why are you making it public that something bad is happening in Taguig?’ she asked.

‘Why is the LLDA’s own Facebook page full of updates on your investigations in Taguig? Thank you for informing the public… Then it’s blow by blow. Are you aware that you have something like this? Are you not aware? So who decides what you post on Facebook?’ she added.

Parumog denied singling out Taguig, but Cayetano, citing the LLDA’s social media posts, said there were no updates when the agency issued CDOs in Angono and Muntinlupa.

‘Why the special interest? There is no problem; you want to inform everybody of what your staff is doing from 8 am to 5 pm go ahead. Sen. Alan is just asking. It’s very simple: why do you make it appear in public that there are so many bad things happening in Taguig? And if that is not the intention, then why publicize for Taguig, and you don’t publish your work in other places,’ Sen. Pia said.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it is eyeing to vaccinate over 2 million girls in Grades 4 and 5 nationwide against human papillomavirus (HPV) under its school immunization program.

According to Dr. Alethea De Guzman, director of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, the agency recommends a single dose of the vaccine for females aged 9 to 14, as this is the most effective period for vaccination before possible exposure to the virus.

‘According to DPCV, we are eyeing to vaccinate 2.007 million learners from grades 4 and 5 from public and private schools against HPV for our Bakuna Eskwela,’ De Guzman said during a media briefing.

She also said out-of-school youth can avail of the vaccines at the nearest health centers.

‘Of the approximately 2 million learners, around 9 percent are out-of-school youth,’ she added.

When asked about the DOH’s latest data on cervical cancer in the country, De Guzman explained that the illness is not a disease under surveillance, for which the agency can typically collect data every month.

She also said the Philippine Cancer Institute had already begun its hospital-based cancer registry to facilitate more timely collection of information.

Citing the International Agency for Research on Cancer, she said there were 7,829 cervical cancer patients in the Philippines as of 2024.

De Guzman also underscored the importance of school immunization programs, such as HPV vaccination, in raising awareness of cervical cancer, which she noted is the second-leading cause of cancer in the country.

‘Sometimes, when we talk about cervical cancer, we immediately discuss screening, chemotherapy, and remedies. No, we want to actually prevent females from having the disease,’ she added.

A 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly selling marijuana to an undercover police officer during a buy-bust operation in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, on Sunday, Oct. 18.

The suspect was arrested in Barangay 3, San Ildefonso, during a joint anti-illegal drug operation led by the San Nicolas Municipal Police Station.

Police said the suspect allegedly sold a sachet of suspected marijuana to an officer posing as a buyer.

Authorities seized 20.28 grams of suspected marijuana worth P2,433.60.

Police also recovered a North American Arms Black Widow .22-caliber revolver with no serial number, along with two rounds of .22 Magnum ammunition and three rounds of .22 long rifle ammunition.

Authorities have yet to provide further details on the suspect’s identity or the charges to be filed over the alleged drug sale and firearm possession.

Police and other law enforcement agencies seized P4.35 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two men during an operation in Barangay Balicotoc, Ilog, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) identified the suspects on Monday only by their aliases, ‘Mak,’ 44, and ‘Mar,’ 24, both residents of Barangay Cogon in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

The suspects were intercepted while transporting 76 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes aboard a wing van truck, police said.

An initial inspection showed that the cigarettes lacked the required government permits and graphic health warnings, indicating possible violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and other trade regulations, according to PRO-NIR.

Ilog Municipal Police Station took in custody the confiscated cigarettes, valued at P4,354,800, and the truck for inventory, documentation, and proper disposition.

PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales commended the personnel involved in the operation and vowed to intensify the crackdown on cigarette smuggling in the region.

‘We will not allow cigarette smuggling and the illegal movement of illicit goods to go unchecked in the Negros Island Region. We will sustain our operations, strengthen our coordination with partner agencies, and pursue those involved in these activities in accordance with the law,’ Reales said in a statement.

The operation involved personnel from the PRO-NIR Regional Intelligence Division, Ilog Municipal Police Station, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Highway Patrol Group, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Customs.

Water levels in the country’s major dams recorded slight increases and decreases, according to data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

As of 8 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, six of the nine major dams monitored posted increases in water levels, while the remaining three recorded declines compared with measurements taken at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Caliraya Dam in Laguna recorded the biggest increase, with its water level rising by 0.40 meter (m) to 286.70 m from 286.30 m.

Ambuklao Dam in Benguet followed, increasing by 0.14 m to 751.20 m from 751.06 m.

Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija rose by 0.05 m to 209.80 m, while Angat Dam in Bulacan increased by 0.05 m to 209.56 m. Binga Dam in Benguet also posted an increase of 0.08 m to 573.52 m.

Meanwhile, Ipo Dam in Bulacan registered the biggest decline, with its water level dropping by 0.16 m to 100.61 m from 100.77 m.

Magat Dam in Isabela followed, decreasing by 0.13 m to 191.75 m from 191.88 m. San Roque Dam in Pangasinan also recorded a decline of 0.37 m to 283.17 m from 283.54 m.

La Mesa Dam in Quezon City, meanwhile, posted a slight increase of 0.02 m to 79.46 m from 79.44 m.

As Manila Water gears up for the anticipated strong El Niño conditions, which may persist up to the first semester of 2027, the company is maximizing the capacity of its Cardona Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to help ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for customers across the East Zone.

Located in Cardona, Rizal, the 100-million-liter-per-day facility draws raw water from Laguna Lake, providing Manila Water with an additional water source that complements supplies from Angat Dam and other facilities.

Under favorable raw water quality conditions, the plant’s output can be maximized to as much as 110 MLD, further enhancing supply availability during periods of increased demand and prolonged dry weather. By optimizing the plant’s operations, Manila Water is strengthening its ability to meet customer demand during challenging climate conditions.

Operational since 2019, the Cardona WTP forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to diversify its water sources and lessen dependence on a single supply source. This approach has become increasingly important as climate variability continues to pose challenges to water availability.

‘Preparing for climate challenges requires maximizing every available source of water. The Cardona Water Treatment Plant plays a vital role in our preparations for the looming strong El Niño by providing additional operational flexibility and enabling us to optimize available supply when conditions allow, helping ensure reliable water service for our customers,’ said Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Head Dittie Galang.

The facility currently provides 24/7 piped water service to approximately 800,000 residents in the Rizal municipalities of Cardona, Binangonan, Morong, Baras, Jala-Jala, Angono, and Taytay, as well as portions of Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City. By serving these communities through a dedicated supply source, the plant also helps ease pressure on Manila Water’s broader distribution network that serves Metro Manila.

The Cardona WTP is likewise designed to support supply reliability during periods of water stress. Equipped with advanced treatment processes, including reverse osmosis capability and a 6-MLD Backwash Water Recovery System, the facility helps sustain continuous service during dry spells, seasonal demand increases, and El Niño events.

The facility is one of several investments supporting Manila Water’s water supply resilience

program. Alongside source development projects in Laguna Lake and the Upper Wawa watershed, including the near-complete 200-MLD East Bay Phase 2 Water Supply System Project and the 220-MLD Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant, Cardona WTP contributes to a diversified supply portfolio that enables the company to draw water from multiple sources when needed.

By maximizing existing assets such as the Cardona WTP while advancing new source development projects, Manila Water continues to strengthen water security and ensure dependable service for the growing communities it serves.

Banga National High School (BNHS) is gradually bringing students back to face-to-face classes under tighter security measures following the Sept. 18 shooting.

The school has also banned smartphones on campus to encourage students to interact more with their classmates.

The campus shooting left three students dead, including the shooter, and six others injured.

Mildred Bagaman, BNHS academic chairperson, said the staggered return to in-person classes, which began Monday, Oct. 19, was decided after consultations with the Parent-Teacher Association, local government unit, police, and other stakeholders.

Senior high school students were the first to return, followed by Grade 10 and Grade 8 students next week. Grade 7 and Grade 9 students are expected to return in November, with the school hoping to resume regular classes for all grade levels by then.

Bagaman said the gradual return to in-person classes would allow school officials to assess security procedures and make adjustments before accommodating more students.

‘We cannot be complacent at this time,’ she said.

Grade 9 student ‘Cherry’ said returning to school brought mixed emotions. She remained afraid that the shooting could happen again but was happy that students could continue their studies.

Police officers, barangay peacekeeping personnel and security volunteers have been deployed around the campus to help protect students and school personnel.

Following police advice, the school has designated a single entry and exit point to make it easier to monitor students and visitors entering and leaving the campus.

Teachers must check students before allowing them into their classrooms. The process is repeated after recess and before afternoon classes.

Students are required to carry transparent bags for easier inspection. Those who cannot obtain one because of limited supplies may use clear envelopes containing only two to three notebooks and pens.

The school has also imposed a cellphone ban.

Bagaman said the ban would encourage students to interact more with their classmates and teachers without the distraction of electronic devices.

The school has also made changes to the JICA building, where some students held classes before the shooting.

Bagaman said the previous occupants were transferred to other classrooms to help prevent them from repeatedly encountering a place associated with the incident.

She acknowledged that teachers were also struggling emotionally following the shooting.

The school is also preparing alternative learning arrangements for students injured in the shooting who are not yet ready to return to campus.

Some injured students have been advised to undergo extended psychosocial therapy as they continue recovering from the incident. Bagaman said the school would continue strengthening security while working to ensure that classes could resume without neglecting the needs of students and teachers still recovering from the tragedy.

The Office of the Ombudsman on Sunday said it dismissed all administrative charges against a Santa Maria town mayor which stemmed from alleged lapses in securing ballot boxes from the 2022 elections.

Santa Maria Mayor Ma. Rocelle ‘Cindy’ Carolino was cleared of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and serious dishonesty.

On the other hand, the Ombudsman meted a one-month suspension to Municipal Treasurer Ma. Theresa Lagonoy Lontok, which is just a minimum penalty owing to the official’s ‘unblemished’ record as a civil servant for three decades.

These stemmed from a complaint filed on March 4, 2025, by Laguna Rep. Maria Jamina Katherine Baltazar Agarao.

Agarao alleged that Carolino and Lontok conspired to tamper with ballots during the 2022 elections.

‘Albeit the ballot boxes were placed inside the Municipal Hall of Santa Maria where she (Carolino) was the Mayor and the protestant is her husband, there was no evidence showing that she committed any acts in connection with the subject ballot boxes or circumstances showing that she conspired with Lontok save for the bare assumptions of complainant,’ the Ombudsman ruling read.

The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal inspection records showed that several ballot boxes retrieved from Santa Maria lacked proper plastic and metal security seals or were secured only with packaging tape.

The decrypted ballot images confirmed Agarao’s election victory.

But still, the physical ballots from 16 clustered precincts were deemed to have doubtful integrity due to compromised seals and physical anomalies.

Lontok’s admissions established that unauthorized individuals had ‘a reasonable opportunity to access the storage area,’ which the Ombudsman said showed her failure to fulfill her duty to safeguard the ballot boxes.

That being said, the anti-graft body found no evidence that the treasurer intentionally tampered with the ballots or acted with corruption or bad faith.

For ‘simple neglect of duty,’ the Ombudsman meted the minimum penalty of suspension from office without pay for one month and one day against Lontok.

Three officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao City were removed from their posts amid the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into alleged anomalies of flood control projects in the city, according to Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday.

Dizon said that the following officials are relieved immediately as the investigation is ongoing: Former District Engineer Richard Ragasa (currently assigned as Assistant Regional Director of DPWH Region 4-B); Assistant District Engineer Lilibeth Sarmiento; and Construction Chief Roberto Mamaril.

‘Sila yung mga kasama sa mga iniimbestigahan ng NBI na dinala nasa DOJ [Department of Justice] at Ombudsman involved sa kasong finile ng NBI regarding flood control projects in Davao, yung mga involved sa alleged anomalies sa Genesis88 sa Davao,’ Dizon told reporters in an interview.

(They are among those being investigated by the NBI that was referred to the DOJ and Ombudsman involved in the case filed by the NBI regarding flood control projects in Davao, those involved in the alleged anomalies by Genesis88 in Davao.)

Last October 13, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said that his agency recommended to the DOJ the filing of complaints against DPWH officials and Genesis88 Construction for alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices and Falsification by Public Officer.

Matibag said that Genesis88 supposedly got P7 billion worth of flood control projects in the first district of Davao City, which is represented in the House of Representatives by Rep. Paolo ‘Pulong’ Duterte.

The three DPWH officials are among the 12 officials and contractors from Genesis88 that the NBI recommended filing cases against.

Meanwhile, Dizon also shared that Engr. Renato Catingub, the construction chief of the DPWH in the 4th district of Cebu, is also removed from his post over reports of extorting contractors. Dizon noted that his agency implements ‘one strike policy’ where DPWH personnel or officials subject of anomalous reports will be immediately removed from their offices.

Dizon then once again issued his warning to all DPWH personnel and officials.

‘Sa lahat ng mga tiga DPWH, kapag ka kayo ay gumawa ng kalokohan o nakasuhan, automatic tanggal kayo sa pwesto so mayroon pang currently iniimbestigahan ngayon and I will be announcing in the next few weeks,’ he added.