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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will continue the construction of Zapote and Niog stations of the Light Rail Transit 1 – Cavite Extension Project if the Villar Group of Companies will refuse to settle with the agency’s offer, its Secretary Giovanni Lopez said on Thursday.

According to Lopez, the DOTr will meet with the Villar Group next week in relation to its donation of six parcels of land where the Las Piñas station of the extension project will be built.

Lopez said that the conditions are: to give DOTr an unconditional permit to enter; the land to be part of deed donation and to free the government from any liability; and cancellation of the mortgage on the land to be donated.

‘It’s a take it or leave it offer. They have to decide for the take it or leave it terms. The reason why I am saying this now is for them to decide if our meeting pushes through next week,’ Lopez said in an interview with True FM.

Lopez earlier dismissed claims that the Villar family blocked the Cavite Extension project, saying that there were no issues with right-of-way acquisition for the project. He also said that the family wanted to donate their land.

‘Because once they will refuse the offer of the government, these three non-negotiable from DOTr and LRTA, we have no problem with the alignment, but we have a problem with the station. If the Villar group of companies refuse, I will order the continuation of the construction all the way to Zapote and Niog. We will set aside Las Piñas for a while. Because it would be unfair to the community of Zapote and Bacoor to be held hostage by the issue on Las Pinas,’ Lopez added.

He explained that the DOTr needs 8,389 square meters (sqm) of land to construct the Las Piñas and Zapote stations, noting that about 4,990 sqm are supposed to be donated by the Villars for the construction of the Las Piñas station.

However, Lopez shared that of the six parcels of land they need from the Villars, two of them are under mortgage. Said that one of the two parcels under mortgage in Chinabank spans more or less 2,000 or 3,000 sqm while the other one is 90 sqm for a viaduct.

Lopez also said that an owner of a land under encumbrance can still sell or donate it, noting that ‘it does not affect the powers and rights of the owner.’ However, as the land will be donated to the government, he said that the government must be free from any liability.

‘The government’s obligation is to ensure that there is no risk on its part so the commuting public won’t be affected. That’s what I am saying that is under negotiation,’ he added.

As the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project broke ground in 2019, the completion of Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog stations will bring the total train stations to 28. The LRT-1 currently runs from Fernando Poe Jr. station in Quezon City to Dr. Santos station in Parañaque City

Barangay health workers (BHWs) on Wednesday urged the government to prioritize the passage of a law that would institutionalize their long-standing calls for fair compensation, benefits and legal protection.

In a statement, the National Confederation of Barangay Health Workers of the Philippines and the UNI Global Union-Philippine Liaison Council (UNI-PLC) said they sent a joint appeal to President Marcos on July 21 calling for the creation of a Magna Carta.

Both groups urged the President to reinstate the bill as a priority measure of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) and certify it as urgent.

‘For over four decades, across multiple administrations, we have been repeatedly promised a law that ensures just recognition, adequate benefits and social protection. Many of our colleagues have already retired or passed away without ever seeing those protections,’ they said.

‘We are praying that President Marcos Jr. will be the leader who finally brings this 40-year struggle to a close,’ they added.

Senate version

Among the pending bills calling for the creation of the Magna Carta is Senate Bill No. 2838, which was filed on Feb. 25 and approved on second reading on June 17. It seeks to provide volunteer BHWs with a P3,000 monthly incentive and other allowances and benefits, including insurance coverage and free legal services.

The groups noted that the country’s BHWs, which total around 277,000, serve as the front-line providers of public health programs, including those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But despite their important role in the community, they continue to struggle from the lack of standard financial compensation and social protections.

‘Our community health workers are the literal backbone of the primary health-care system in every single barangay, yet they remain the most vulnerable and under-protected,’ said UNI-PLC president Roland de la Cruz.

A dismissed police officer and two other suspects were caught red-handed in a predawn drug raid that yielded P340,000 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Lumbia here on Tuesday, July 28.

Maj. Joann Navarro, Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) spokesperson, told the Inquirer on Wednesday that the officer had been dismissed in November last year after testing positive for drug use.

‘He immediately went AWOL. However, his case regarding the positive drug test continued, and his dismissal order from the service was issued earlier this year,’ she said.

Joint operatives from Police Station 8’s Anti-Illegal Drug Team (SAIDT), the City Mobile Force Company, and PDEA Regional Office 10 raided an abandoned house at around 4:32 a.m., arresting the buy-bust operation’s primary target, a 32-year-old identified as alias ‘Tams.’

Arrested alongside him were alias ‘James,’ the 35-year-old dismissed police officer, and alias ‘Apon,’ 35.

Authorities noted that ‘Tams’ and ‘James’ are first-time alleged criminal offenders, while ‘Apon’ is a second-time offender currently under probation.

Seized during the raid were eight sachets containing approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, a .38 caliber revolver loaded with three live rounds, assorted drug paraphernalia, two motorcycles, a cellular phone, and the P1,000 buy-bust money.

The arrest reinforces PRO-10 director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano’s declaration earlier this month that they are serious about internal cleansing and that police personnel caught involved in illegal drugs will face absolute dismissal from the service.

‘No one is above the law. This operation underscores that the law applies equally to everyone,’ Abrahano told the Inquirer.

The suspects are currently detained at Police Station 8 and face charges for allegedly violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Alias ‘James,’ the ex-police officer, will face an additional charge for alleged violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

PRO-10 vowed to maintain its relentless, intelligence-driven campaign against illegal drugs and criminality to uphold public safety across Northern Mindanao.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s penultimate State of the Nation Address (Sona) came at a time when Filipino households remain vulnerable to forces well beyond the country’s control.

Although inflation has moderated from previous highs, food, electricity and transportation remain major household expenses. The US-Iran conflict has also renewed concerns over global oil prices, highlighting how geopolitical events can quickly influence domestic fuel costs and, eventually, the prices of goods and services.

The price of global shocks

As of July 28, domestic fuel prices have risen by a net P53.72 per liter for gasoline, P57.73 for diesel and P52.69 for kerosene based on cumulative pump-price adjustments this year. Those increases filter through freight, public transportation and electricity generation, affecting household spending.

Against this backdrop, Marcos outlined tax and power sector proposals that could affect consumers’ disposable incomes and monthly expenses.

More money in our pockets

Among the President’s key economic proposals is raising the annual tax-exempt income threshold to P350,000 from P250,000. If enacted by Congress, the measure would allow more workers to keep a larger portion of their earnings by adjusting income tax brackets that have remained unchanged despite rising living costs.

Marcos also proposed exempting micro and small enterprises from the minimum corporate income tax and introducing a one-time tax amnesty for certain unpaid tax liabilities. The proposals aim to reduce the tax burden on smaller businesses while encouraging tax compliance.

For consumers, the direct effect of the income tax proposal would be higher take-home pay for qualified workers. The business-related measures, meanwhile, could support employment and investment, although their broader impact on consumer prices and economic activity will depend on implementation and broader economic conditions.

The proposals also carry fiscal implications. Lower income tax collections and tax incentives could reduce government revenues in the near term, while proceeds from a tax amnesty are temporary by nature. Whether these measures eventually are eventually offset by stronger economic activity, improved tax compliance and a broader tax base will also depend on their implementation and the economy’s overall performance.

For consumers, the math is simple: lower taxes mean bigger take-home pay at a time when household budgets are under mounting pressure. It will not bring down inflation, but it could give workers something equally important-more room to absorb higher everyday expenses.

Cutting the power bill

Marcos also called for a review of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) of 2001 and proposed removing system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills.

System loss refers to electricity lost during transmission and distribution because of technical limitations and other factors. Under the current framework, utilities may recover a portion of these losses by passing the charges on to consumers.

Removing or reducing system loss charges could lower electricity bills, although this will depend on the final legislation and how regulators implement any changes.

The broader review of Epira could also reopen discussions on electricity pricing, competition, investment and consumer protection more than two decades after the law restructured the power industry. For consumers, the impact of any amendments will likely be assessed through changes in electricity prices and service reliability.

What Comes Next

The tax and electricity proposals address two areas that directly affect household finances-take-home pay and monthly utility expenses.

At the same time, the announcements mark the beginning rather than the conclusion of the policy process. Most of the proposals require legislation, while others will depend on implementing rules and regulatory action before consumers experience any measurable impact.

The recent volatility in global oil markets has underscored how quickly external developments can affect Philippine households through fuel, transport, food and electricity costs. While the Philippines cannot control global events, domestic policy can influence how consumers and businesses absorb those external shocks.

Whether these proposals ultimately translate into lower household costs and higher disposable incomes will depend on how quickly Congress acts, how regulators implement the reforms and how the broader economy responds.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed his disappointment over BTS’ decision to forgo submitting its music for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards.

In a statement released on Wednesday, July 29, Mason said that while he respects the decision, he was still saddened by the announcement.

‘I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision,’ expressed the CEO.

Mason also clarified that the Academy’s newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category is to ‘celebrate diversity’ and ‘not to divide’ artists.

‘The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists’ work is recognized. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters,’ he explained.

The clarification came after BTS earlier announced that it would not submit its music for Grammy consideration this year, saying it hoped its work would be appreciated ‘for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.’

Mason emphasized that entering music in a genre-specific category does not prevent artists from competing in the Grammys’ top awards.

‘Submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop, or Jazz or Country does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered in the General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre,’ said the executive.

Mason added that artists are free to pursue recognition in both genre and General Field categories.

‘Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both. The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it,’ continued the statement.

‘As we continue to expand the reach, our membership and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world,’ it concluded. /ra

Perez played only a handful of minutes in San Miguel Beer’s lopsided win over Titan Ultra in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday despite nursing a groin injury.

Perez was doubtful going into the contest after getting hurt during the first half of the Beermen’s loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Sunday.

But San Miguel inserted Perez for the start of the fourth and played for two minutes and 27 seconds before spending the rest of the game on the bench.

‘Papawis para makacontribute, so that he might feel a bit comfortable,’ assistant coach Peter Martin said after the 143-105 win that improved San Miguel’s record to 4-1.

The brief appearance allowed Perez to keep his streak of consecutive PBA games played intact. He appeared in his 279th career game, leaving him one shy of tying Dante Gonzalgo for sixth all-time in consecutive games played.

With the conference in its early stages, it gave San Miguel the luxury of virtually resting Perez.

‘His injury is a groin pull,’ said Martin. ‘CJ doesn’t feel it, but his X-rays show that there’s a tear. If it is a Finals game or a semifinal game, he will play.

‘We’re just trying to manage his injury,’ he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the distribution of rice, met with government scholars, and turned over more than P100 million to barangays in Tarlac, as his administration continued implementing programs highlighted during his 2026 State of the Nation Address.

Marcos distributed 10-kilogram rice packs under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, met with 2,555 Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholars, and oversaw the turnover of P102.2 million from the Socio-Civic Projects Fund for 511 barangays under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program.

Marcos said that education would remain among his administration’s priorities and urged the scholars to make good use of the assistance they had received.

‘Basta’t gamitin ninyo, mapakinabangan sana ninyo ang aming kaunting tulong sa inyo at gamitin ninyo ng mabuti… mag-aral kayo ng mabuti. Magtrabaho kayo ng mabuti. Work hard. Study hard,’ he said.

(I hope you can make good use of our small help to you and use it well. Work hard. Study hard.)

He told the scholars that knowledge is the most valuable asset they can acquire and one that will benefit them throughout their lives.

According to the President, the programs are intended to support local governments, improve food security, and expand educational opportunities, with the goal of extending government assistance to communities across the country.

A septic tank full of rainwater claimed the lives of two daycare learners in Purok 10, Barangay Concepcion, Makilala in Cotabato, on Monday, a village official said.

Rey Cayare, Barangay Concepcion chairperson, said the two learners, his grandson and nephew, aged 4 and 5 years old respectively, went home from school and played at the septic tank filled with rainwater.

Cayare said the two accidentally slipped into the open-hole septic tank while playing with their lunch boxes.

The village official said a resident informed them about the incident.

Villagers immediately rushed to the site but found nothing except lunch boxes floating in the water.

Cayare said that responders dove into the water to retrieve the two learners who sank to the bottom of the septic tank.

The boys were immediately brought to the nearby Makilala Medical Specialist in Makilala, Cotabato, and later referred to the Davao Doctor’s Hospital in Davao City, where they both expired.

Classes in all public and private schools in two districts of Naujan town have been suspended beginning on Thursday (July 30), following an armed encounter that left two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels dead and another captured, local and military authorities said.

In an official statement issued Wednesday (July 29), Mayor Henry Joel Teves ordered the suspension of classes in all school levels in Districts 7 and 8 ‘until areas are declared safe and secured by proper authorities.’

The suspension came hours after government troops clashed with around 10 suspected NPA members in Barangay Del Pilar during a combat operation.

According to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, soldiers responded to information from residents about the presence of armed rebels in the village.

Authorities have yet to release the identities of the fatalities and the arrested combatant.

Soldiers recovered components for improvised explosive devices, food supplies, and personal belongings allegedly abandoned by fleeing rebels.

Pursuit operations against the remaining members of the armed group were ongoing as of Wednesday, the Army said.

A group of women’s rights advocates, student leaders and civil society groups filed a complaint with the Senate ethics committee against Sen. Pia Cayetano over the spliced video she posted online about her exchange with House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a letter sent on Wednesday, the complainants asked the panel to ‘conduct an inquiry into the public actions’ of Cayetano regarding her ‘deliberate dissemination of a spliced and misleading video on her Facebook page.’

‘The deliberate editing of official impeachment proceedings to mislead the public is not merely a political act, it is a serious ethical issue that strikes at the integrity of the Senate as an impeachment court,’ they said in a separate statement.

The complainants include former Commission on Higher Education Chair Patricia Licaunan, University of the Philippines-Diliman professor and Everywoman co-convener Jean Franco, Parents Initiative and Social Awareness Mainstreaming Advocacy, Sanctuary Network, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – College of Public Administration Student Council President Joahna Marie Dela Cruz, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, District Wide Advocates Quezon City, and Pandayan Para Sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas.

The complaint was submitted by Tindig Pilipinas, one of the groups that filed impeachment complaints against Duterte at the House of Representatives.

The Senate ethics committee is currently chaired by Sen. Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III.

There was no immediate comment from Cayetano regarding the complaint.

Lawyers’ code violation

The one-minute video came with a caption suggesting that the House prosecution’s move to have the Vice President’s tax and bank records presented in court was a mere fishing expedition or a blind attempt to find evidence of her alleged ill-gotten wealth.

It contained clips of the exchange between Diokno and Pia’s brother, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

On Saturday, Diokno pushed back by noting how the one-minute video omitted the full context of the arguments he made on the floor.

The complainants also said on Wednesday that Cayetano, by sharing the video through her social media channel, violated the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which prohibits lawyers from engaging in ‘unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct.’

‘Deliberately omitting Rep. Diokno’s legal explanation to invert the meaning of his statement constitutes active, calculated deceit. Sen. Pia S. Cayetano engaged in an artifice designed to deceive the viewing public into believing that Rep. Diokno confessed to an improper legal maneuver,’ they said.

Public confidence at stake

They called Cayetano’s post a ‘reckless disregard for the truth’ and ‘a direct violation” of the oath among the senator-judges to remain impartial during the impeachment trial.

‘The video only revealed her bias for the vice president’s camp. Unfortunately, Sen. Pia S. Cayetano no longer has the cold neutrality of an impartial judge, which all parties before a court are entitled to as part of due process,’ they added.

The post caused ‘institutional damage’ to the Senate, they said, and if Cayetano is not reprimanded by the chamber, ‘it risks eroding public confidence in the neutrality expected of senator-judges.’

No one – especially senator-judges – should be permitted to distort or selectively present the official proceedings in a manner that misleads the public… When a senator-judge publicly acts in a manner inconsistent with the standards governing the proceedings, public confidence in the institution is inevitably diminished,’ they said.