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Clamor Mounts Against ‘Fake’ Anti-Dynasty Bill 

Rose de la Cruz
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Clamor Mounts Against ‘Fake’ Anti-Dynasty Bill 

A LONG LIST of multi-sectoral organizations called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Philippine Senate to reject what has been aptly referred to as a ‘fake’ anti-political dynasty bill that was earlier approved by members of the House of Representatives.

In a manifesto, representatives from various sectoral groups made a sweeping claim that House Bill 8389 would only fortify the clout of clans in power.

The signatories include the Justice Reform Initiative, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Philippine Institute of Arbitrators and Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines.

PRO-DYNASTY BILL

According to the signatories, HB 8389 institutionalizes the concentration of political power among a few families instead of dismantling political dynasties.

Under HB 8389, relatives within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are prohibited from holding elective positions within the same jurisdiction — which though at first glance looks like a restriction, when in reality it is not. 

“We have all seen a single family hold the governorship, congressional seat and mayoralty of a province simultaneously while a brother or son sits in the Senate,” reads part of the manifesto.

The bill would allow unlimited succession or the practice of handing out a position to a spouse, child or sibling after reaching the term limit, as if it were a legacy, they pointed out.

HB 8389 also legitimizes switching position, or the swapping of elective posts of family members once their respective terms expire, they warned.

The House-approved measure allows relatives beyond the second degree, such as uncles, aunts and cousins, to hold offices across every level of government, the groups said.

DAPAT ISA LANG

Filipinos should support the “Dapat Isa Lang” campaign of the People’s Initiative Coalition Against Dynasties, which seeks to limit family members up to the fourth degree to one national and one local position at a time, they said.

The campaign also pushes for firm prohibitions on succession and switching.

Recent data from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) showed that 87% of provincial governors and 80% of district representatives in recent election cycles are dynastic.

At least 18 provinces are classified as having “obese dynasties,” where five or more relatives concurrently hold office in the same local jurisdiction.

A comprehensive study by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department found that nearly 54% of local government posts are occupied by members of political families. 

THRIVING DYNASTS

Proponents behind the House-approved anti-dynasty bill have repeatedly claimed that the legislative measure – if enacted into law, will displace over 5,000 dynastic officials.

However, advocacy groups like NAMFREL (National Movement for Free Election) believe otherwise as the bill is no more than a regulatory framework rather than an outright ban since it allows clan members to simultaneously hold positions at different levels of government (e.g., Congress and a local municipality).

In Cavite province alone, seven politicians surnamed Remulla are taking turns in elective positions including congressional representative, governor, mayor, vice-mayor and councilor.

Of the seven Remullas, three were eventually appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in various national government offices — Department of Justice, Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Interior and Local Government and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

SENATE VERSIONS

The Senate is currently consolidating several versions of the bill, which many civil society organizations view as containing stricter definitions of political clans. 

Studies from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies consistently link a high concentration of political families with higher local poverty rates and weaker institutional checks and balances.

National surveys show that over 54% of Filipinos support an anti-political dynasty law, with the highest approval ratings in Metro Manila at 69%.

Article II, Section 26 of the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines already mandates equal access to public service and prohibits political dynasties; however, it has required an enabling law to take effect since 1987.

Trillanes: Cut The Hype, No ICC Warrant For Go

LOUIE LEGARDA
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Trillanes: Cut The Hype, No ICC Warrant For Go

IF THERE’S one who has inside information at the International Criminal Court (ICC), that would be former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

According to Trillanes, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte’s claim that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already released a warrant of arrest against Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, is false.

“Don’t believe Pulong. No ICC warrant has come out for anyone yet,” said Trillanes, who was the first to reveal the ICC arrest warrants against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

“Should a warrant indeed come out later, he definitely won’t know about it, just like when his father didn’t know that he had a warrant,” he added.

HIGH ON FAKE NEWS

During a press conference at the Camp Crame, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla took a swipe at Rep. Duterte whom he said may have been “high” when the latter claimed ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Go.

“He may have been ‘high’ when he heard that because we do not see anything like that,” Remulla told reporters in Camp Crame. “We’re always prepared. But those kinds of pronouncements are dangerous.”

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. likewise denied any knowledge of an ICC warrant against Go — “Good for him if he knows. As for me, I don’t know.”

DOJ PLAYS SAFE

The Department of Justice (DOJ) for its part said they have yet to receive any information about the alleged warrant against Go who served as special assistant of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte before being elected as senator.

“We have not received any official communication from the ICC regarding the alleged issuance of a warrant of arrest against (Go),” said DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez.

Citing previous undertakings, arrest warrants are coursed by the ICC to the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) which under existing laws is mandated to implement such.

The DOJ official however clarified that official denials do not necessarily mean there is no such warrant. 

LEAVING FATE TO GOD

In a statement sent to reporters, Go who has been dragged as “co-perpetrator, maintained that he has never violated any law even as he hinted at “leaving his fate to a higher being.”

“I will just leave everything to God. In my entire life, I have never broken any human law or God’s law,” reads part of his statement.

“Police matters have never been part of my mandate. I hope and pray that the supposed ICC warrant isn’t politicized against me,” he added.

Aside from Go, the Davao City congressman also claimed that ICC warrants are also out against retired police generals, Oscar Albayalde and Vicente Danao Jr.

Senate Heeds Charter: 16 Votes To Oust Sara

Ernesto Reyes
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Senate Heeds Charter: 16 Votes To Oust Sara

AMID unsolicited proposals swaying the senate impeachment court to consider the number corresponding to the fraction stipulated under the Constitution as basis in issuing its verdict, newly-installed Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stood firm on the need to secure 16 senators for Vice President Sara Duterte to be ousted.

According to Gatchalian, regardless of vacancies, absences, or leadership changes, the senate will adhere to the numeric significance rather than the fraction, adding that Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s suspension will not lower the number of votes required to convict Duterte.

Responding to questions over the impact of Estrada’s 90-day suspension on the impeachment proceedings, Gatchalian said that the Constitution is pretty much detailed — concurrence of 16 senators regardless of vacancies, absences, or leadership changes.

The new Senate President explained that the constitutional threshold remains fixed because it is based on the Senate’s full membership of 24.

“Article XI, Section 3(6) of the 1987 Constitution states unequivocally that no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also reiterated that the Constitution leaves no room for changing the vote requirement.

“With the Senate’s membership fixed at 24, the conviction threshold is 16 votes, and it will remain 16 votes regardless of how many senators attend the trial, which bloc controls the chamber, or who presides over the impeachment court,” he added.

The Sandiganbayan earlier imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on Estrada who is facing non-bailable plunder and graft cases in connection with the so-called flood control scandal.

Gatchalian added that the suspension also prevents Estrada from carrying out any function of a senator, including serving as a senator-judge in the impeachment trial of Duterte.

“From what I understand, pag-suspended ka as senator, kasama na rin yung being a senator judge. So the suspension…carries with it all the responsibilities as a senator, including becoming a senator-judge,” Gatchalian told reporters.

Estrada however maintains that he should be allowed to take part in the impeachment trial as a senator-judge, pending the resolution of cases filed against him.

In questioning the suspension, the detained senator argued that he was deprived of the opportunity to contest the regularity of the preliminary investigation conducted in the case.

Despite the legal questions raised by Estrada’s temporary removal from Senate duties, Gatchalian said the chamber would rely on established legal precedent and institutional practice in determining how to proceed.

“In this case, I haven’t really sat down with our legal team on how to go about it, but ang masasabi ko lang kung ano yung legal practice in the past, yun ang susundan natin,” he averred.

Mayon: Majestic Beauty And Cataclysmic Peril

Domingo P. Herras
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Mayon: Majestic Beauty And Cataclysmic Peril

TO CASUAL travelers, the Mayon Volcano is a geological masterpiece—a flawless, emerald-draped cone that defies the jagged chaos of nature. But to those who live in its long, sweeping shadow, the ‘Perfect Cone’ is not merely a mountain; it’s a monument to a love so fierce the earth itself rose to protect it. 

For centuries, the story of Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Maiden) has been whispered through the ash and the clouds, transforming a volatile force of nature into a timeless epic of romance and tragedy. 

This is the story of how a maiden’s heart gave birth to a landmark, and why the world still watches in awe as her legend continues to breathe fire and beauty into the Philippine sky.

The legend of Daragang Magayon is one of the most romantic and tragic epics in Philippine folklore. It transforms the volcano from a mere geological wonder into a monument of eternal love. Here are the key pillars of the “real” myth and the undying folklore surrounding it:

MAGAYON AND PAGTUGA 

The story begins with Magayon, the exceptionally beautiful daughter of Chieftain Makusog. 

Despite many powerful suitors, her heart was eventually won by Panganoron (a brave warrior from the Tagalog region) who saved her from drowning in the Yawa River. 

However, a jealous suitor named Pagtuga, a rich but arrogant hunter, kidnapped Magayon’s father to force her into marriage. 

TRAGIC BATTLE  

A fierce battle ensued between Panganoron tribe and Pagtuga’s forces. 

While Panganoron was successful in killing Pagtuga, the victory was short-lived. 

As Magayon rushed to her lover’s arms, a poisoned arrow struck her. While Panganoron knelt over her, he was struck by a spear thrown by one of Pagtuga’s soldiers. Both lovers died on the battlefield. 

BIRTH OF VOLCANO 

The grieving Chieftain Makusog buried the lovers together. 

As days passed, the land where they were buried began to rise higher and higher, eventually forming the volcano. 

The locals named it Mayon, a shortened version of Magayon. 

HUGGING CLOUDS 

The “undying myth” lives on in how Bicolanos interpret the weather. 

The Clouds: When clouds shroud the peak, it is said that Panganoron is kissing Magayon. 

The Rain: When it rains, it is believed to be Panganoron weeping for his lost bride.

The Eruptions: Folklore suggests that eruptions are the spirit of Pagtuga (the jealous suitor) stirring under the earth, trying to reclaim Magayon, or Magayon’s own anger at being disturbed. 

SYMBOL OF PURITY

The symmetry of the “Perfect Cone” is spiritually linked to Magayon’s legendary beauty and her “pure” love for Panganoron. 

It’s why the volcano is seen not just as a landmark, but as a living entity with a soul. 

POWER AND FURY 

Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines, with over 50 recorded eruptions since 1616. The contrast between the “perfect beauty” of the myth and its destructive reality is best seen in previous eruptions.

The 1814 Cataclysm (The Deadliest): On February 1, 1814, Mayon unleashed its most violent eruption, a “Plinian” blast that killed an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 people.

The Mythic Contrast: Folklore suggests this fury is the spirit of the jealous suitor Pagtuga challenging Magayon’s lover, Panganoron. 

The Reality: The eruption buried the town of Cagsawa under 10–12 meters of volcanic debris. Today, only the Cagsawa Ruins belfry remains—a “lonely sentinel” over a buried town.

ENDURING WRATH

The 1897 Long-Duration Eruption: This eruption lasted seven days, burying villages under 15 meters of lava and killing over 400 people. 

It reinforced the image of Mayon as a “self-destructive and self-healing” entity that constantly reshapes its own perfect cone.

The 1993 and 2018 Unrest: In 1993, sudden pyroclastic flows killed 77 farmers, a reminder that the volcano’s “beauty” remains lethal even in the modern era. 

The 2018 eruption famously produced ash clouds that some observers claimed looked like the two lovers, Magayon and Panganoron, embracing in the sky. 

MAGAYON’S BEAUTY 

Looking at the majestic silhouette of Mayon, one would probably see more than just a volcano — the resilience of a culture that finds poetry in the midst of peril. The ‘real’ story of Daragang Magayon is proof that beauty is often born from sacrifice, and that even the most destructive forces of nature can be seen through the lens of an undying spirit. 

Mayon stands as a reminder to the global community that while the earth may shift and the fires may rage, the stories we tell—of love, of courage, and of home—are the only things that truly remain immortal. 

From the heart of Bicol to the eyes of the universe, Magayon remains, forever beautiful and forever free.

The Disease That Steals Tears, Saliva, and Clear Thinking

Gwenn Canlas
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The Disease That Steals Tears, Saliva, and Clear Thinking

SUPPOSE I told you there’s an illness that can make your eyes feel as if they’re lined with sandpaper, leave your mouth drier than a stale biscuit, drain your energy, muddle your thinking, and make your joints complain for no obvious reason. Chances are, you’ve either never heard of it—or you’ve heard the name but never realized how much trouble it can cause.

It’s called Sjögren’s syndrome (pronounced SHOW-grins), and despite being one of the more common autoimmune disorders, it often flies under the radar.

Many people who have it spend years collecting diagnoses that never seem to fit together.

Dry eyes? Probably aging.

Dry mouth? Drink more water.

Exhaustion? Must be stress.

Forgetfulness? Too many things on your mind.

Achy joints? Welcome to getting older.

Sometimes, however, all these seemingly unrelated complaints are pieces of the same puzzle.

Sjögren’s syndrome occurs when the immune system loses its sense of direction and mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Its favorite targets are the glands that make tears and saliva.

The result is exactly what you’d expect: eyes that sting, burn, or feel gritty, and a mouth that constantly feels parched.

That may not sound dramatic until you imagine feeling as though an eyelash is trapped in your eye every waking hour. Or having to sip water with almost every bite because eating a dry cracker feels like chewing and swallowing cardboard.

Suddenly, “just dry eyes” doesn’t seem so trivial.

And Sjögren’s is about much more than dryness.

Thinking of it as merely a dry-eye-and-dry-mouth condition is a bit like calling a typhoon a light drizzle.

For some people, the

fatigue is crushing and doesn’t improve even after a full night’s sleep. Others struggle with joint pain, numbness or tingling, chronic cough, skin problems, or difficulties with concentration and memory.

Then there’s the symptom many patients call brain fog.

We’ve all walked into a room and forgotten why we went there. That’s part of being human.

Brain fog feels different. People describe searching for words they know they should remember, losing track of conversations, forgetting appointments, or feeling mentally sluggish, as if their thoughts are trying to move through molasses.

One patient compared it to working on a computer with twenty tabs open while the internet connection keeps dropping.

That image captures it surprisingly well.

Dentists are sometimes the first healthcare professionals to suspect Sjögren’s. Saliva does more than keep our mouths comfortable; it also protects our teeth. When saliva production drops, cavities can appear more often than expected. A patient may blame their brushing habits for years before learning that an autoimmune condition was the real culprit all along.

Another interesting pattern is who gets the disease.

About 90 percent of people diagnosed with Sjögren’s are women. Researchers still don’t fully understand why autoimmune diseases seem to favor women, but Sjögren’s is among the clearest examples.

It also likes company. People living with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or certain thyroid disorders are at greater risk of developing it.

Perhaps one of the hardest things about Sjögren’s is that many of its symptoms are invisible.

People can see a broken arm in a cast. They can see a rash or a high fever.

They can’t see exhaustion.

They can’t see dry eyes.

They can’t see a brain struggling to stay focused.

As a result, some patients are told they’re distracted, overly sensitive, lazy, or simply showing their age, when in reality their immune system may be quietly working against them.

That’s why awareness matters.

The next time someone mentions persistent dry eyes, a constantly dry mouth, unexplained fatigue, or a mind that feels wrapped in cotton, don’t automatically blame stress, aging, or poor sleep.

There may be a bigger story unfolding beneath the surface.

Or, in the case of Sjögren’s syndrome, perhaps a story with simply too few tears.

Xyza Pinklady And Her Voguing Family

Boy Villasanta
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Xyza Pinklady And Her Voguing Family

VOGUING what?

Yes, the subculture dance moves that showcase the geometric and stylized acts of the marginalized performers or artists, or anyone interested in the craze, done in any space available but mostly, ballrooms.

This is the doc “10s Across the Borders” all about and more.

The term is a derivative for mimicking if not parodying Vogue professional mannequins not necessarily by gays and other members of the LGBTQIA+ but the hetero population as well.

Voguing, as the documentary directed by Chan Sze-Wei illustrates, originated from New York City created and spearheaded by pop ghetto junkies who defied social norms and traditions and came up with their own brand of dance forms distinctly Afro-American.

No wonder hip-hops and raps are primarily the dance and music influences of the blacks to humankind.

Voguing catches attention through its struts or sudden dips and other muscle flexing choreographies.

Folk songs and dances from all corners of the world are also tweaked, recreated and rearranged like a scene in a social club where “Leron, Leron Sinta” was the highlighted sound of the voguers.

It can also showcase catwalks ala-Pia Wurtzbach or Catrioba Gray in the Miss Universes’ universe or duckwalks and other animal traversing acts.

It is calisthenics of the body and soul that are more experimental in grooves like grotesque ballet or street dance including hybrid zumba and aerobics.

The Philippines, as a matter of fact, is already behind the craze as it had found its way into the world of artistic or simply commonplace performances in the 70s and 80s.

In the film, three Asian proponents and exponents of the movement are presented, namely Filipina Xyza Pinklady Mizrahi, Malaysian Teddy Oricci and Thai Aurora Sun Labeija.

Yes, Xyza Mizrahi is a straight woman who is considered by the underground voguers as their Mother Hen.

The Pinklady says, tearfully, that she isn’t beautiful but it doesn’t show as she has the prettiest soul among many.

Xyza is a middle-class Pinay who prefers and dominates domestication in the family affairs but she conquers as well the outside world of the rebellious underground terpsichorean moves.

Very unassuming and casual but her mien, Zyza is a heroine, a class by herself who could male any beauty pageant contestants a run for their money.

Teddy, the Malaysian, talks about the beauty and freedom he enjoys in voguing while Thai Sun speaks of the underground dancesport as a panacea to all negative thoughts and emotions including bodily sufferings as a physical and mortal avenue for change for the better.

Although the doc centers on Asians, a Norwegian resource person is definitely a refreshing multiracial and multiracial rep to catholicize the whole discussion of a universal meaning of love, family, acceptance, understanding, empowerment and belongingness.

Xyza is a Filipina, a representative of a conservative society cradled in Christian traditions while Teddy is a Muslim and Sun is a Buddhist but through voguing, the demarcation line is blurred among religions of same purposes of enlightenment, liberation and brotherhood which, they claim, are achieved through voguing.

According to Xyza, Teddy and Sun, religion isn’t a stumbling block to possess a positive attitude in love of fellowmen.

For them, voguing is a “House,” a family to turn on to when conflicts arise among members in and outside of it.

While the doc presents predominantly gay characters, the gender bias is reduced to LGBTQIA+ inclusive pursuits.

Idealism is the main core of the movement but it knows how to bend its courses for equality and protection.

Of course, in this globalized world, it is easier said than done but the voguers don’t lose energy and hope for a better life in various parts of the planet.

“10s Across the Borders” is rated R-16 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). 

Isabel Lopez In Switzerland For Filial Vacation

Boy Villasanta
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Isabel Lopez In Switzerland For Filial Vacation

AFTER FIGURING IN a life-threatening accident in the US, beauty queen and actress Maria Isabel Lopez started to heal completely — and as usual, back in circulation.

As a matter of fact, Lopez recently packed her things up and travelled as far as Europe to get a sight of a new day to mesmerize and cure her residual body aches.

Momentarily leaving her husband, labor lawyer Jonathan Melrod in Sebastopol, California, Maribel flew to Switzerland in a much-needed rest and to meet her loved ones with the alps as backdrop.

It was another memorable reunion, this time with extended family, particularly son-in-law Chandler Booth who saw her for the first time after the car mishap.

For Maria Isabel, it was a longer filial vacation that reunited her with daughter, actress Mara Lopez and nine-month-old granddaughter Lana Lopez Yokohama Booth.

So, the frolic.

In her social media spaces, the 1982 Binibining Pilipinas-Universe proudly announced that her latest travel was a Switzerland family trip. “A journey of healing and recovery with the Chandlers,” she exclaimed.

Only light activities were prescribed to the actress known for “Isla,” “Silip,” “Kinatay (The Execution of P),” “Cochera,” among other classic films in her visit to the Swiss territory.

“I didn’t miss the Pier in Iseltwald where ‘Crash Landing on You’ was filmed. I missed the biggest spa in Europe at our hotel because my wound is still healing,” she said.

“But I did a three-hour hike in the Swiss alps,” she added.

Maribel and the Booths stayed at the Burgenstock Hotel. “Oh! From where we were, I saw the breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne,” she conjured.

As a visual artist herself, Lopez didn’t miss the rich artistic traditions of Switzerland. “I experienced the town of Lucerne and the works of Picasso at the Rosengart,” she said referring to the artworks of Pablo Picasso being curated at the Rosengart Art Museum.  

“Thanks to the Booths for the trip of a lifetime,” said Maribel with a heart emoji.

Before her Swiss sojourn, though, the beauty queen had simple and easy public appearances because the wounds in her intestines are still open. “If you’re wondering, I still have a 0.5cm open wound from the accident. But I’m doing ok,” she assured.

Just a few days ago, Maribel was one of the special guests at the 80th anniversary of the Philippine-US diplomatic relations at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, California where her new works are on exhibit at the Kalayaan Hall of the embassy until June 19, 2026.

The actress also attended the screening of her film “Diamonds in the Sand” directed by Janus Victoria at the Arte Film Festival in Livermore California where she talked about the creative process of the film during its Q&A portion.

Senate Power Grab Ain’t Over

Ernesto Reyes
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Senate Power Grab Ain’t Over

THE rise of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President may have settled the leadership question in the chamber, but not the deeper political struggle that threatens to destabilize one of the country’s most important democratic institutions.

Speaking on ANC Headstart, former Senate President Franklin Drilon described the current Senate as the most unstable he has seen since the restoration of democracy in 1986, citing an increasingly polarized political environment, the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, and maneuvering ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

“I have never seen a Senate since 1986 more unstable than what we have today,” Drilon said.

The veteran lawmaker, who served 24 years in the Senate and eight and a half years as Senate President, noted that the chamber had just witnessed an unprecedented turnover in leadership.

“I don’t know, I may be wrong, but in the history of the Senate, this is the first time that we have a Senate President for two weeks after that he was changed,” he said. “For my eight years as Senate President, I was changed only four times. Here, after 21 days, we have a new President of the Senate.”

While claiming Gatchalian has “all the qualities fitted for the job,” Drilon said the new Senate leader should brace for something far greater than winning an election.

His task, Drilon said, is to stabilize an institution that remains deeply divided.

SUSTAINED BICKERING

Drilon cautioned that the leadership change would not end the political infighting that has gripped the Senate in recent weeks.

“Let us not kid ourselves,” he said. “There will be a continuous struggle for the Senate presidency because of the impeachment and the 2028 election.”

According to Drilon, control of the Senate carries extraordinary significance because it will influence both the impeachment trial of the Vice President and the broader political contest expected to culminate in the 2028 presidential race.

“The control of this institution would play a critical role as to who will control the country in 2028,” he said.

The former Senate President urged Gatchalian to strengthen the majority coalition by convincing at least one or two more senators to join its ranks.

Without a wider margin, he warned, the chamber could remain vulnerable to another leadership challenge.

“What is important for Senator Win and his group to do is add one or two more to provide some stability in the structure of the Senate, especially with the upcoming impeachment trial.”

Drilon also appealed to his former colleagues not to lose sight of what he called their “higher calling.”

“Running the Senate today is the art of the possible,” he said. “But our friends in the Senate should not forget that there is a higher calling — the country, the national interest.”

Beyond Words: Conversation Strategy

Vivien Mangalindan
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Beyond Words: Conversation Strategy

HAVE YOU EVER sat through two meetings that looked almost identical on paper… yet felt completely different? One felt productive. The other felt like it lasted three years. 

The Back Story  

Most conversations are messy. People talk over each other. Everyone is trying to tell their story. But nobody is really listening. 

And that’s when you realize how important conversation strategy is.

Reading Vibes, Not Words

Conversation strategy is not about being polite or agreeable.

  • It’s about awareness.

Timing. Tone. Energy shifts. Micro-reactions. The small signals people feel but don’t really pay attention to.

  • Some people walk into a conversation and just speak.
  • Others walk in and read the room first.

Big difference.

Some Connect – Others Miss the Moment

One conversation feels effortless. You leave thinking, “That was easy.”

Another feels draining. You leave wondering why you’re tired, even though nothing dramatic happened.

Great conversational people don’t dominate space — they manage it.

They know when to pull back. 

  • When to lean in. 
  • When to ask. 
  • When to stop.

And yes… when to shut up and let silence do its job.

Missing The Tiny Signals

Most people are not bad at speaking. They’re bad at noticing.

  • They miss the hesitation in someone’s voice.
  • Discomfort goes unnoticed.
  • Boredom slips right past them.

They miss the moment when the conversation could shift… but doesn’t.

So everything stays flat.

  • Conversation strategists don’t “add more.”
  • They adjust better.

Moments That Naturally Click 

Same situation for everyone. Different level of awareness.

  • Talk shows where guests open up naturally.
  • Podcasts where stories unfold without forcing.
  • Teachers who can regain a distracted room in seconds.
  • Friends who make you feel heard without trying too hard.

Leaders who don’t just speak — they steer energy in the room.

How It Feels

Some people think good conversation is about being interesting. It’s not.

  • It’s about making other people feel safe enough to open up.
  • And that’s where timing, awareness, and reading the room make a difference.

Not noise. Not performance. Not filling every gap.

Just awareness.

When Ideas Clash 

SITUATION: A project planning session where the team can’t agree on the next step.

BEFORE: 

  • Mike: “I think we should launch next week.”
  • Jade: “That’s a bad idea.”

     Awkward silence.

AFTER:

  • Mike: “I think we should launch next week.”
  • Jade: “You sound pretty confident about it. What’s driving that?”
  • Mike: “We’ve been ready for a while. I just don’t want us to overthink it.”

TIP: Instead of reacting to the disagreement… notice what’s behind the confidence or hesitation.

Quiet Between Words 

SITUATION: A conversation between a couple after a long and exhausting day.

BEFORE:

  • Aly: “You’ve been quiet lately.”
  • Chris: “I’m fine.”

     Tension builds.

AFTER:

  • Aly: “You’ve been quiet lately.”
  • Chris: “Yeah… just a lot on my mind.”
  • Aly: “Do you want to talk about it, or just sit for a bit?”
  • Chris: “Maybe just sit for now.”

TIP: Rather than taking “I’m fine” at face value… notice what the tone is actually saying.

Too Many Voices

SITUATION: A neighborhood meeting where everyone has something to say.

BEFORE:

  • Liz: “People here never listen.”
  • Doug: “That’s not true.”

     Argument starts.

AFTER:

  • Liz: “People here never listen.”
  • Doug: “Feels like your voice isn’t being heard?”
  • Liz: “Yeah… kind of. It gets frustrating.”
  • Doug: “I get that. Let’s talk about what’s been happening.”

TIP: Before correcting anything… notice the feeling behind it first.

Tips And Techniques 

In a world where everyone wants to speak… very few people know how to connect.

They are the ones who make it feel effortless — without even trying.

That’s conversation strategy.

  • Feel the energy, not just the words.
  • Notice tone, hesitation, and small shifts.
  • Pause… understand first, then speak.

Remember: Don’t just hear the words. Read the vibe.

Bro. Eddie Spreading Lies From The Pulpit?

Jai Duena
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Bro. Eddie Spreading Lies From The Pulpit?

TAKING cue from what has been aptly referred to as a father’s advice, Senator Joel officially joined the new majority bloc ending the Senate power struggle.

Beyond the senator’s political maneuver under the safety and protection of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) sect, his father — JIL Founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva, also made questionable claims bordering on fake news, disinformation, and at times outright falsehoods right from the pulpit.

DEMOLITION JOB

After showing Joel’s video speech, Bro. Eddie quickly took the stage and made a swiping claim that his son is a victim of ‘massive black propaganda and demolition jobs.’

“Maraming nagtatanong bakit siya, sa dami ng politiko sa Pilipinas, bakit siya? Sangkatutak ang ginawa niyang kabutihan.”

He urged the audience to check Joel’s record as a congressman for nine years, his six years as TESDA Secretary, and his stint in the Senate.

JOEL THE GREAT

Talking about Joel’s supposed accomplishments, Bro. Eddie said his son was number one against the Charter Change and the so-called “Fake People’s Initiative” which sought to remove term limits.

He also claimed Joel helped stop POGO operations and Chinese mafia activities, serving as principal author of an unspecified law, which allegedly led to death threats from protectors of POGO interests in the Philippines.

Finally, he defended his son’s actions during the first impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte when Senator Francis Escudero was still the Senate president. 

“Napagkamalan siyang tumulong to kill the impeachment ni Sara Duterte last year. Ginawa lang niya ang tungkulin niyang hintayin ang decision ng Supreme Court bago ituloy ang impeachment trial.”

The Senate ultimately archived the Articles of Impeachment, effectively killing the case. In the end, the Supreme Court ruled that the first impeachment articles are unconstitutional.

PURE RHETORICS

Among these claims are fragments of truth mixed with strong opinion. A review of factual and impartial records reveals significant gaps.

First, while Joel was indeed opposed to the People’s Initiative in 2024, calling him “Number One” is irresponsible and impossible to quantify.

On January 23, 2024, all 24 senators, led by then Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, signed a manifesto condemning the ongoing People’s Initiative.

This settles the matter: Joel was neither the sole nor the leading figure in stopping it.

YES TO NO

As for Joel supposedly stopping POGO, the facts are more ironic. Joel voted yes in favor of legislation regulating and effectively legalizing POGO operations in 2021.

But after the backlash and Senate investigations exposed widespread criminal activity linked to POGO, Joel became one of several senators who later voted to ban it in 2025.

While it is true that Joel was among the principal authors of an anti-POGO measure under Senate Bill 2752, he was far from the only one.

The measure was later substituted by Senate Bill 2868, which became the Anti-POGO Act, authored by Sens. Gatchalian, Bong Go, Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, Grace Poe, Risa Hontiveros, and Villanueva.

It was also Hontiveros’ investigations that led to the exposure of Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, who now faces multiple criminal cases and has already been convicted of qualified human trafficking.

POLITICAL INTERPRETATION

Bro. Eddie’s third claim is more complicated because it rests largely on political interpretation rather than clear factual claims.

Critics accused Escudero of delaying impeachment proceedings through procedural maneuvers instead of following the Constitution’s instruction to act “forthwith,” or immediately convene as an impeachment court.

Villanueva, who was then the Senate Majority Floor Leader, was part of this process.

However, Joel’s own actions sent mixed signals.

He moved for Escudero and senators to take their oaths as presiding officer and senator-judges, formally constituting the impeachment court — but not immediately convening it.

CAUGHT ON CAM

What is not disputed, however, was video footage showing Joel coaching Senator Imee Marcos to interrupt a manifestation by Senator Hontiveros — one of only two senators pushing for immediate convening of the impeachment court and opposing Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s motion to dismiss.

“Go to the microphone. Say that the point of order takes precedence. Para tumigil siya.” Joel was caught on camera telling Marcos.

His strategy worked. Marcos interrupted, and the Senate President suspended the session.

In a report by Vera Files, Villanueva was described as “not just a coach of Imee Marcos,” but as a “typical politico who has a characteristic aversion to accountability,” suggesting tolerance for impunity.

GHOST PROJECT 

And since Bro. Eddie himself urged the public to examine Joel’s history, it should be noted that in 2016, the Ombudsman ordered Villanueva dismissed over the misuse of P10 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations dating back to his time as CIBAC partylist representative in 2008.

The Ombudsman imposed administrative sanctions for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

The allegations were ironically similar to accusations now faced by Sara Duterte involving ghost projects and unverified beneficiaries.

Joel’s defense? Identity theft.

Already serving as senator when the ruling came out, he neither stepped down nor was removed from office.

WEAPONIZING CHURCHES

Intentional or otherwise, churches and religion should not be used as platforms to advance personal or political interests — much less as instruments to mislead, deceive, or spread disinformation.

The JIL Church has repeatedly endorsed candidates through guest appearances and coordinated voting practices, despite publicly denying formal block voting, while simultaneously serving as a vehicle for advancing political interests.

Christianity has consistently preached love over suspicion and restraint over judgment, which explains why many remain faithful to JIL.

But where should one draw the line?

Perhaps when leaders begin to appear more godlike than God Himself.

DOJ Digs Deep Into Dela Rosa Escape

Lucio Papa
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DOJ Digs Deep Into Dela Rosa Escape

WITH A PALACE-backed Senate leadership in place, the Department of Justice (DOJ) hinted at reviving its investigation into the chronological sequence of events moments before Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa escaped to evade arrest.

According to the DOJ, the investigation would try to determine whether the Senate protective custody, as well as the ‘shootout’ was part of the plan to help the fugitive senator avoid being arrested in view of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on Wednesday, the DOJ’s special panel was looking into “specific actions” that could have obstructed justice and that they are “looking at the big picture,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters.

“Tinitignan pangkalahatan na yung mga actions ba nung simula pa lang, ito ba ay planado, mas malaking plano, di ba? Nilagay siya sa protective custody, ito ba ay kasama sa plano?” 

SINISTER MOVES

He added that the probe would also include former Senate President Peter Alan Cayetano.

“Yung pagsasalita ba or yung pagsasabi ba ng under attack, yung pagsasabi ba ng lockdown ng Senado, lahat ito, lahat ng mga bagay na napatunayan na nangyari ay tinitignan para timbangin kung ito ay kabahagi ng tinatawag natin na obstruction of justice,” Vida added.

On May 11, operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) tried to arrest Dela Rosa by virtue of an ICC arrest warrant. The effort however failed as NBI operatives were outhustled.

The fugitive senator was later placed under protective custody. 

On the evening of May 13, a shooting incident erupted inside the senate building compelling a lockdown on the senate premises. Hours later, Dela Rosa slipped out of the Senate premises.

ACCOMPLICES

Vida earlier warned individuals who helped Dela Rosa escape after the ICC warrant was unsealed and made public on May 11 will be held criminally liable.

The DOJ special panel previously claimed that the actions of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms against the NBI was not justified, and that the Senate was not under attack — as claimed by then Senate President Cayetano.

“Based on the initial findings, the recommendations of the panel include: One, to identify and establish the culpability of all persons who conspired and aided the escape of Senator Dela Rosa in the early morning of 14 May 2026,” Vida further said.

“Second, to determine whether the NBI and media accounts that sniper shots appear to have been fired from the fifth floor of the Senate building towards an NBI vehicle was part of an orchestrated plan to help facilitate the escape of Senator Dela Rosa,” he added.

CRIME SCENE

The findings, he noted, were based on evidence submitted by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), members of the media, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), including an ocular inspection at the GSIS premises.

Vida however admitted that the DOJ was not able to inspect the Senate premises as the Senate deferred action on its request, noting the ongoing investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman and the PNP.

According to Vida, the Senate also expressed concern about a possible conflict of interest as the NBI, which was involved in the incident, is under the DOJ.

Ateneo Players’ Death, Not An Accident

Edwin Moreno
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Ateneo Players’ Death, Not An Accident

THE DEATH OF two Ateneo basketball players isn’t an accident, says the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), even as it urged head coach Tab Baldwin to cooperate with an ongoing probe into the death of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

In a press briefing, CIDG Director Police Major General Alexander Morico II made a categorical claim on its initial findings.

“The incident did not actually happen in front of the resort. It was about 300 to 700 meters away. The recovery effort was only 300 meters near the resort because they were swept by the current” Morico told reporters.

The CIDG earlier issued a subpoena for the Ateneo coach.

MISSING BALDWIN

“Man up, be man enough to face the investigation in the interest of justice and equity para doon sa dalawang players which you call as your brother,” Morico said.

“If you’re a brother, hindi ka tatalikod. So, help us also. Help the family and bring justice,” averred the CIDG chief, adding that Baldwin’s cooperation could help authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of two potential superstars.

Baterbonia and Adili, both members of Ateneo’s basketball program, died in a drowning incident earlier this month.

The CIDG has been conducting a probe to determine whether criminal liability may be involved in the deaths.

HOMICIDE OR HAZING

According to Morico, investigators are pursuing multiple angles while gathering evidence and testimonies from players, coaches, and other individuals linked to the training camp.

“There are two directions yung pinupuntahan namin. It’s either homicide or hazing,” Morico noted, even as authorities are looking into accounts suggesting that more players may have encountered difficulties in the water during the incident.

When asked about reports that four players had been caught in dangerous conditions, Morico said investigators are still trying to establish what exactly transpired — “We’re trying to establish right now yung positions nila sa lugar and who were swept away ng current.” 

PLAYERS’ ACCOUNT

He also cited testimonies of other players who claimed to have swallowed seawater during the incident. Morico however admitted that they’re still validating information.

“That is the reason why we are trying to… We will know as soon as makausap namin yung ibang kasama sa Aurora,” he added.

According to the CIDG chief, the sea conditions at the time the incident happened was hazardous, especially for not so strong swimmers – “I guess tama lang pong sabihin na the sea was very dangerous.” 

“The weather conditions during that time, including the tide, are not suitable para sa mga non-swimmers.”

Testimonies gathered by investigators likewise indicated that participants were aware of strong currents in the area before the trip to Aurora — “They were aware that the current was strong prior to leaving for Aurora.” 

BALDWIN’S ORDER

Citing accounts provided by players, activities during the training involved exercises in the water “They were instructed to walk and perform stationary jumping exercises while in the water to strengthen their legs.”

Meanwhile, the CIDG hinted at an ongoing interview with 48 individuals as part of the investigation.

As of June 16, 10 individuals—mostly former players—had appeared before investigators. Another 10 were subpoenaed on Wednesday, although only seven current players attended.

Authorities are expecting additional players, coaching staff, school officials, and other individuals involved in the training camp to appear for questioning in the coming days.

Baldwin has also been told to bring aerial drone footage recorded during the training camp in a bid to reconstruct the events from the team’s arrival at the resort up to the drowning incident. 

Gatchalian Is New Senate President

Rose de la Cruz
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Gatchalian Is New Senate President

ALAN PETER Cayetano has finally conceded the third highest elective post in the country to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the minority bloc is caving in.

In a Facebook post, Cayetano admitted that the so-called Gatchalian wing managed to secure the number which is more than enough to elect a new Senate president.

“The arithmetic has changed. The Constitution has not. And now, after speaking with Sen. Joel Villanueva, it appears our colleagues on the other side will soon have the numbers to elect a new Senate president,” said Cayetano ahead of the special session called for by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

“I will not stand in the way of that vote,”  he added.

SLOWLY BUT SURELY

Easing Cayetano, who assumed senate leadership via a surprising resurfacing of fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato Dela Rosa on May 11, took the minority bloc roughly five weeks. 

However, Cayetano’s senate leadership was never steady with the same group losing numbers — Dela Rosa gone into hiding amid an ICC arrest warrant, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada now behind bars for plunder, Sen. Francis Escudero who jumped ship two weeks ago — and Sen. Joel Villanueva who earlier hinted at attending the special session.

From 13, Cayetano’s number is down to just nine. Under the 1987 Constitution, a new Senate leadership requires a majority vote on the basis of 24 members.

“I may leave the position of SP, but I am honored to still be your PS — your Public Servant.” Cayetano said in his post.

RISE OF GATCHALIAN 

As expected, Gatchalian was formally elected as the new Senate president, settling the two-week leadership row with Cayetano.

But even before Gatchalian was elected, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri nominated Gatchalian as Senate president. 

“He’s the leader that the Senate needs in this time of division and disarray, and he has done this before. I know he’ll be able to rise above the fray and lead us back to our principal function, which is to attend to the work of legislation,” Zubiri said.

“I have every confidence that as Senate president, he’ll be able to set the institution back on the right path, guided by the highest standards of service, integrity and morality. To my colleagues, I plead, let us elect Senate President Gatchalian and let us get back to our work in this hallowed institution,” he added.

All 13 senators present voted “unanimously.” Immediately after being elected, Gatchalian then took his oath of office as Senate President, administered by Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

SIGH OF RELIEF

Quite interestingly, netizens who reacted to a GMA News Facebook post heaved a sigh of relief with the over a month old senate leadership impasse now resolved. 

One FB user, journalist Stella Arnaldo of Business Mirror said: “There. There. At least may bagong career ka na as a vlogger.”

The post of GMA on Cayetano’s concession as SP generated 87,000 likes,; 14,900 comments and 5,200 shares.

Daniel Ang said: “ May nagawa ding tama. Hahaha’”

Brendon Ray said: “Ok lang yan APC, the final stage of grief is Acceptance.”

Renz Anomrac quipped: “leaving the position of SP? Since June 3, he is no longer an SP. Ano iiwanan niya?”

James Nico Gelogo said: “Natapos din sa wakas ang kanyang 5 stages of grief.”

James Mari Gaddi said: “Nawalan na ng script. hahaha

There were a few comments sympathetic to Cayetano, but these were drowned by the hugely critical comments on that GMA News post. 

SENATE RIGODON

During Wednesday’s special session, Sotto was also nominated and elected as the new Senate president pro tempore. Zubiri, who was previously elected as the Senate majority leader, also assumed the post of chairperson of the Committee on Rules.

Both Sotto and Zubiri took their respective oaths.

The new Senate leadership also elected chairpersons and members of permanent committees. The newly reconstituted key committee chairmanships are:

  • Accountability of Public Officers & Investigations (Blue Ribbon): Sen. Erwin Tulfo
  • Finance: Sen. JV Ejercito
  • National Defense & Security: Sen. Vicente Sotto III
  • Public Order & Dangerous Drugs: Sen. Panfilo Lacson
  • Public Services: Sen. Raffy Tulfo
  • Agriculture, Food, & Agrarian Reform: Sen. Francis Pangilinan
  • Foreign Relations: Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri
  • Basic Education: Sen. Bam Aquino
  • Health & Demography: Sen. Risa Hontiveros
  • Games & Amusement: Sen. Lito Lapid

NEW BLUE RIBBON

The Senate first constituted the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, or the Blue Ribbon Committee, with 17 regular members and three ex-officio members, reflecting an 11-9 majority-minority ratio, PNA reported.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo was named Blue Ribbon chairperson, while Senators Francis Pangilinan and Panfilo Lacson were designated as vice chairpersons. Zubiri said the committee membership would cover almost all senators, subject to the prescribed limit under the rules.

Interestingly, all these happened while Cayetano was inside the Senate premises. He didn’t attend the special session. Neither did his allies attend.

Bill Seeking Roll-Over Mobile Data Proposed

Angel F. Jose
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Bill Seeking Roll-Over Mobile Data Proposed

HAVE you ever been in a situation when you badly need an internet access but failed to connect? Baka expired na load.

At the Senate, Sen. Bong Go had just filed twin legislative measures seeking roll-over for unused mobile data even after the prepaid load expired.

Under Senate Bill 2241 (Roll-Over Internet Data Bill), Go cited the need for stronger consumer protection law for internet users who are being deprived of what they have actually paid for under a specific internet data package.

The second proposed measure — SB 2245, Go is pushing to institutionalize an automatic refund for service outages and disruptions affecting subscribers.

Under the twin proposals, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country are mandated to carry over unused data until fully consumed — or converted into rebates, allowing subscribers to receive the fair value of services they have already paid for.

The senator emphasized that internet access has become part of daily life for Filipinos, particularly students, workers, small business owners, and families who rely on connectivity for education, livelihood, communication, and emergency needs.

“Binabayaran po ng tao ang data nila. Kung hindi nagamit, dapat hindi basta mawawala. Dapat may proteksyon ang consumers at dapat patas ang serbisyo,” Go said.

Go cited the World Bank’s 2024 “Better Internet for All Filipinos” report, which stated that the Philippines continues to lag behind its Southeast Asian neighbors, with fixed broadband prices among the highest in the region.

The measure also noted that current industry practices allow ISPs to automatically forfeit unused data once a subscription period ends, leaving consumers exposed to rigid expiration policies despite varying usage patterns.

Under the twin bill, all ISPs in the country would be covered by the proposed law.

For postpaid subscribers, rolled-over data would be prioritized for consumption in the succeeding month, while unused data every month would be accumulated until the last month of the year.

Unused data allocation for the year may be converted into rebates that subscribers may use as payment for internet service in the succeeding year of subscription.

For prepaid subscribers and postpaid users who avail of promo offers, unused data would be rolled over if the subscriber renews the subscription immediately after the offer duration lapses.

If the subscriber fails to renew, the unused data allocation would be reduced by 20 percent every day until the subscription is renewed. After five days without renewal, all unused data would be considered consumed.

Subscribers availing of unlimited internet data packages with no data cap would be exempted from the proposed law.

If enacted, defiant ISPs may face a fine of P50,000 per violation per subscriber, while repeated violations may lead to revocation or cancellation of the ISP’s license, registration, or franchise, as well as the waiver of pre-termination fees of affected subscribers.

The bill also provides that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and other concerned agencies, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from the effectivity of the proposed law.

“Dapat malinaw ang rules. Kapag may binayaran ang Pilipino, dapat may katumbas na serbisyo. Hindi dapat lugi ang consumer sa sistema,” the senator averred.

SB 2245 meanwhile seeks consumer relief. The measure mandates automatic refunds for internet and telecommunications service outages and disruptions.

Together, the twin measures address recurring concerns of consumers who pay for connectivity but lose value because of unused data, interrupted service, or disrupted telecommunications access.

The proposals focus on fairness, transparency, and accountability in basic digital services that many Filipinos now depend on for work, school, business, and access to public information.

“Sa panahon ngayon, kailangan ng internet sa pag-aaral, trabaho, negosyo, at komunikasyon. Kaya dapat protektado ang karapatan ng ordinaryong Pilipino bilang consumer,” Go said.

The senator said that consumer protection in digital services must keep pace with the realities faced by Filipinos who often shoulder high connectivity costs while dealing with inconsistent service quality, limited choices, and strict subscription terms.

“Ang importante po rito, kung ano ang binayaran ng tao, dapat mapakinabangan niya. Serbisyo po dapat ang inuuna, lalo na kung basic need na ang internet sa araw-araw.”

Senate Torn Between Mandate And Dysfunction

Rose de la Cruz
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Senate Torn Between Mandate And Dysfunction

SENATE PRESIDENT Alan Peter Cayetano and the rest of the gang are weighing options whether or not to attend the special congressional session on Wednesday (June 17) called for by no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

By virtue of Proclamation 1318, the President cited the urgent need to resolve the senate impasse which adversely affected legislative output, to wit:

  • The National Center for Geriatric Health
  • Amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act
  • Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act
  • Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act
  • Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act
  • Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act
  • Anti-Political Dynasty Law
  • Presidential Merit Scholarship Program
  • Such other measures aimed towards strengthening social protection and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.

LAGGING BEHIND

The special session will also allow the Commission on Appointments to act on pending appointments to key positions in the Cabinet, military, and foreign service to ensure continuity across government institutions.

“The  challenges confronting our people demand urgent action. Families affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao require immediate assistance,” reads part of the proclamation. 

Other concerns mentioned include students in dire need of educational support, better healthcare for senior citizens, nutrition for children and protection for the vulnerable sectors.

“The needs of the Filipino people do not pause when Congress is not in session. The government must continue to respond, and the welfare of every Filipino must remain our highest priority,”  the president stressed.

LUXURY OF TIME

“The challenges confronting our people demand urgent action. Families affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao require immediate assistance. Students need continued support to pursue their education. Our senior citizens deserve better healthcare. Our children must have better nutrition and vulnerable sectors need stronger protection.” 

The administration expressed confidence “that lawmakers will set aside political distractions and focus on passing measures that deliver timely and meaningful support to the Filipino people.”

The special session will coincide with Marcos’ trip to Kazan, Russia for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.

NO MORE DRAMA

Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian earlier announced that they will convene a special session at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17.

Gatchalian wrote his colleagues about the schedule, with Senate Secretary Renato Bantug expecting the agenda to include the ratification of conference committee reports and bills on their third reading.

Bantug said they will also make time for the convening of the Commission on Appointments.

Sen. Migz Zubiri earlier said that the 12 senators of the bloc where he belongs welcome Marcos’ call for a special session and “are ready to do our mandate.” 

“Papasok tayo… we will do our duty for the people. The Senate has always had the capacity to rise above difficult moments, and I trust that we can approach this session with seriousness, respect for our mandate and a clear sense of responsibility to the people,” Zubiri said in a statement. 

“Walang drama, walang delay, walang dahilan para hindi magtrabaho. We should be ready to work and ready to help move forward whatever must be acted upon for the public good,” he added.

POWER STRUGGLE

Gatchalian-led majority wing is locked in a power struggle with the bloc of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who insists that he remains Senate President until his replacement could be elected with 13 votes.

Senator Erwin Tulfo hopes there will be 13 senators present during the special session so that they can finally put the Senate leadership squabble.

Book Review: Two Sides of a Shattered Moment

Luchie Aclan Arguelles
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Book Review: Two Sides of a Shattered Moment

IF I CAN’T HAVE You, Nobody Can is a deeply affecting and emotionally charged work that invites readers into one man’s painful reckoning with betrayal, violence, and survival. Framed through the perspective of Daniel R. Balais, the book promises not merely to recount a tragic event, but to explore the emotional and psychological aftermath of a moment that forever altered the course of his life.

From its opening chapter, the book establishes a reflective and solemn tone, yet enthralling.

While it is true that “every story has two sides,” this is more than a familiar phrase. It becomes the moral and emotional framework of the narrative. This is not a sensationalized account of domestic tragedy, but a personal testimony of how trust can be broken in its most devastating form.

IT’S CINEMATIC

The most gripping portion of the book is the part “The Night Everything Changed.”

The writing is cinematic yet restrained, allowing the horror of the event to emerge through stark imagery: “A flash of steel. A deafening burst. A sudden collapse into darkness.” These clipped, urgent phrases capture the shock of trauma with remarkable effectiveness.

The scene is haunting not because it is overly dramatic, but because it is rendered with chilling stillness, especially in the image of Dan’s wife standing silently after the act.

Yet the true strength of the work lies beyond the incident itself. Rather than centering solely on violence, the book appears to ask more difficult and enduring questions: How does love deteriorate into cruelty? How does one rebuild after the unimaginable? What remains of a person after trust has been shattered?

RESILIENCE, GRATITUDE

Dan is portrayed not as a victim frozen in tragedy, but as a disciplined and thoughtful man whose values of resilience, preparedness, and gratitude guided him through the darkness. His journey from devastation to renewal gives the story its emotional gravity. There is dignity in the way he is described—someone who carries his past without allowing it to define him.

The prose is polished, introspective, and compassionate. It balances suspense with humanity, tragedy with hope. Readers are drawn not only into a mystery of motive and survival, but into a meditation on endurance, grace, and second chances.

Ultimately, If I Can’t Have You, Nobody Can, as narrated by Dan himself, appears to be more than a memoir of one catastrophic night. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the quiet triumph of choosing life after devastation. It is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page because it asks questions many lives silently carry, but few dare to tell. 

The Book “If I Can’t Have You, No One Can” by Daniel Balais, published by CentralBooks, is now off press. Orders can be made online via orders@central.com.ph or email d_balais2003@yahoo.com .

 #IfICantHaveYouNoOneCan 

#DanielBalais

#BookEditorLuchieArguelles

#CentralBooks

Villar Siblings Blamed Over LRT Project Snag

Lily Reyes
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Villar Siblings Blamed Over LRT Project Snag

EVER wondered why the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) extension project in Cavite remains unfinished?  

According to Ombudsman Crispin Remulla, the anti-graft body has received information that Senators Mark and Camille Villar are blocking the continuation of the LRT-1 extension project in Cavite, unless the government caves in to their condition.

“We are investigating… the project should’ve extended to Cavite by now, but we’re still verifying rumors that the Villar senators were going against the alignment. They want the rail system to traverse their lands,” said in a radio program.

Remulla said that the Villars want the extended LRT-1 to pass through their property along C5 Road in Las Piñas before reaching Bacoor, Cavite.

“There’s an alignment in Sucat, Parañaque where the project stopped, because they allegedly want it along C5, where they have properties,” Remulla said.

Previous reports claimed that the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is in the process of acquiring right-of-way for Phase 2 and 3 of the project in view of the construction of the C5 Quirino flyover in Las Piñas, which occupied the area supposedly intended for LRT-1.

During the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Villars were accused of pressuring the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to realign the C-5 road extension to pass through and benefit the family’s extensive real estate properties in Las Piñas and Parañaque.

The realignment triggered a radical increase in the real estate value of their property.

BuCor: Palparan Remains in Jail

Lucio Papa
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BuCor: Palparan Remains in Jail

THERE IS NO way a butcher can escape the New Bilibid Prison facility, especially with deteriorating health and age catching up on him, says Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr.

In a statement, Catapang categorically denied reports that retired Army general Jovito Palparan is ‘missing,’ even as he claimed that the ‘butcher’ remains detained at the NBP facility in Muntinlupa City.

Catapang made the remark following a recent manifestation filed by private complainants Erlinda Cadapan and Concepcion Empeño, who expressed concerns that Palparan might no longer be detained at the NBP facility.

According to Catapang, Palparan continues to serve his sentence within the NBP premises, adding that any transfer of inmates, especially high-profile individuals like Palparan, follows strict protocols and proper documentation.

Citing BuCor data, none of which reflects in its records. He also reassured the public and the concerned parties that the BuCor maintains transparency and accountability in managing the custody of all inmates.

“Any future developments or changes in his detention status will be communicated through official channels to maintain clarity and public trust,” he added.

Palparan was convicted by a Bulacan court in 2018 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of University of the Philippines (UP) students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. 

Zsazsa Zaturna’s Quest At The 30th BIFAN

Boy Villasanta
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Zsazsa Zaturna’s Quest At The 30th BIFAN

WILL THE Philippine entry, Avid Liongoren’s full-length animation “Zsazsa Zaturnnah” take home the bacon at the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) during the Bucheon Choice World Features derby?

“Zsazsa Zaturnnah,” a tale of a Filipino superwoman who has a gay beautician alter-ego, is the first ever Filipino feature film to be screened at the main derby of BIFAN, the largest genre festival in Asia so many Filipino filmmakers and moviegoers are anticipating a good chance at the prestigious world event.

“Zsazsa Zaturnnah vs the Amazonistas of Planet X” is pitted against other cutting edge international genre films like Japan’s “Burn” and “Cursed Meme,” directed by Nagahisa Makoto and Yamamoto Kan, respectively; Ireland and United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s “Hokum” by Damian McCarthy; Australia’s |Leviticus” by Adrian Chiarella; Spain and USA’s “The Night (Gaua)” by Paul Urkuo Alijo: Finland, France, United Kingdom and Lithuania’s “Nightborn” by Hann Bergholm; Korea and Taiwan’s “Niko” by Julien Birhan Levy; USA’s “Obsession” by Curry Barker; France and Belgium’s “Species” by Marion Le Coroller and UK and Canada’s “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” by Jane Schoenbrun.

Liongoren’s Rocketsheep Studio has collaborated with local film outfits such as CreaZion Studios and Nathan Studios and France’s Ghost City Films to create a more dynamic production.

“Zsazsa Zaturnnah,” originally written by Carlo Vergara, started as a graphic novel then translated into a stage musical and transported into a Regal Entertainment film and now an animation.   

The world is watching and waiting for the official results of the competition as BIFAN reels on July 2 to 12, 2026 at various Bucheon City venues.

To carefully select the bests among the crop of this year’s entries, Shin Chul, Festival Director of BIFAN has unveiled the jury lineup composed of professionals from diverse fields—including directors, actors, producers, and festival programmers—the juries will evaluate films from a broad perspective encompassing both genre cinema and the wider film industry.

A Filipino is also included in the board of judges, namely, University of the Philippines (UP) film professor Patrick Campos who will sit as one of the jury members in a separate section.

The Bucheon Choice World: Features section will be judged by an esteemed panel, including Thai genre master Banjong Pisanthanakun, who redefined Asian horror with “Shutter” (2004) and “The Medium” (2021); Byun Seung-min, CEO of Climax Studio and a leading force behind Korean genre content like “Parasyte: The Grey” (2024) and “Concrete Utopia” (2023); Indonesian actress Asmara Abigail, known for her standout performances in horror films such as “Impetigore” (2019) and renowned Japanese filmmaker Yukisada Isao, director of “Go” (2001) and “Crying Out Love In The Center Of The World” (2004).

According to BIFAN, bringing together some of Asia’s most influential genre filmmakers and producers, the jury will provide an in-depth evaluation of the international feature competition entries.

Meanwhile, there is also the Bucheon Choice Korean: features section, where the jury will look at the present and future of Korean genre cinema. The panel includes Kim Se-hun, CEO of SEMOSI, who has discovered new creators across Korean independent and genre film; actress Jeong Ha-dam, known for her distinctive performances in films such as “Steel Flower” (2015), “Ash Flower” (2016) and “Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary” (2024) and director Pil Gam-sung, who has showcased a unique world of genre film through “Hostage: Missing Celebrity” (2021) and “My Daughter Is a Zombie” (2025) have showcased a unique genre sensibility.

Serving on the juries for both Bucheon Choice World: Shorts and Bucheon Choice Korean: Shorts are actress and director Ryu Hyun-Kyung, who recently directed “Don’t Go Back” (2025) after appearing in numerous films and television dramas; Yamashita Koyo, programmer at Image Forum Festival and director Lee Sang-geun, who has demonstrated sharp genre sensibility in “Exit” (2019) and “Pretty Crazy” (2025). Drawing upon their diverse industry experience, they will discover new talent and outstanding short films from Korea and abroad.

The jury for Bucheon Choice: AI Films includes director Kim Kwang-sik, known for “The Great Battle” (2018) and “Code: G” (2025); Jay Kim, CEO of Studio Realive and AI filmmaker Roy Oh. They will assess works that merge AI technology with cinematic imagination, focusing on creativity, technical achievement, and new possibilities.

The jury for the Méliès International Festivals Federation (MIFF) Asian Film Award consists of Elizabeth E. Schuch, Art Director of Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival and filmmaker and Chris Oosterom, Festival Director of Imagine Fantastic Film Festival. Together, they will spotlight the achievements and future possibilities of Asian genre cinema in selecting the winner.

The newly established this year, the FIPRESCI Award will be judged by film critic and Korea University professor Park Yu-hee, Finnish film critic Joonatan Itkonen and Italian-born Japan-based film critic Giovanni Stigliano Messuti. The jury will select a winner from among the films in the Bucheon Choice World: Features section that demonstrate exceptional artistic achievement and a progressive cinematic vision.

The NETPAC Award jury includes Roland Kelts, Visiting Professor in Media, Culture & Society at Waseda University in Tokyo; Song Chee-hwa, writer for KBS Indie Film and film scholar Patrick F. Campos. They will evaluate competition titles from an international perspective and select a film that contributes meaningfully to the development and exchange of Asian cinema.

The preliminary jury for the Korean Short Films section consists of film critic Kim Cheol-hong, journalist Nam Sun-woo, directors Lim Da-seul, Han Jay, and Hur Bum-wook. Preliminary selection for the international short film section was conducted by Kristin Ji, former programmer of the Asiana International Short Film Festival. Drawing on their extensive hands-on experience and expertise, the preliminary jurors carefully selected this year’s short film lineup.

With a jury packed with global filmmakers and industry experts, the 30th BIFAN, to be held from July 2 to 12, is highly anticipated to provide diverse perspectives that diagnose the present and envision the future of genre cinema.

Bon Labora: Taking Arts To The Upland

Boy Villasanta
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Bon Labora: Taking Arts To The Upland

VISUAL ARTIST, filmmaker, teacher, environmentalist and polymath Bon Labora is also an adventurer. He doesn’t mind going to the hinterlands to spread arts and truths in life.

After going to Tumauini, Isabel at the foot of Sierra Madre and the rugged terrain of Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan, Labora is slated to climb mountains in Atimonan, Quezon to teach theater arts to students.

“This is a mission and a mission. Gusto ko, mas malalayong lugar ang tuturuan ko ng teatro (I want to go the farther places to teach theater arts),” said Bon in a casual talk days before he treks up the Quezon National Park, officially called Quezon Protected Landscape or the zigzag road in Pagbilao, Padre Burgos and Atimonan, Quezon.

“Mas nakaka-challenge ang pagtuturo ng teatro sa mga tao sa bundok dahil mas natural (Teaching in the boondocks is more natural and challenging),” opined Labora who finished his Fine Arts degree from the University of Santo Tomas.

“I expect the Art Apprenticeship 1 students of the Leon Guinto Memorial College to be more naturalistic and appreciative of the local color and homegrown traditions and cultures to be incorporated in their studies of theater,” said Bon.

In Atimonan alone, there are many stories rich in cultural insights like the narrative of the mermaid perched on one of the sea boulders along the National Highway.

“’Yon, nakikita ko ‘yon pag nagta-travel ako papuntang south. Masyadong makulay at makasaysayan ang kwento ng sirena. Ang alamat ng sirena ay dapat pagyamanin ng mga taga-Atimonan (That’s it. I always see that when I travel to the southern parts of the Philippines. It’s too colorful and historical. The folklore of the mermaids is one that should be preserved by the Atimonanins),” he suggested.

“Magandang gawing dula ang buhay ng sirena (The life of mermaids is pretty much a good idea for a play),” argued Labora.

Before Atimonan, Bon, with actor-director Vic Tiro went to the remotest area of Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan where they taught theater arts to students and teachers of Our Lady of Piat Church in the hinterland of the town.

“Kahit malayo ang Dona Remedios Trinidad at mahirap ang daan, mas gusto kong pumunta dahil nga gusto kong ibahagi ang nalalaman ko sa teatro sa mga guro at estudyante ng paaralan (Even if the town is far-off and the roads going there is bumpy, I loved to go there because I want to share my knowledge in theater with the mentors and their students),” recalled Labora who has done movies like “Paano Ko Sasabihin” (2009) as Production Designer to director Richard Soriano Legaspi, “Lumang Kahoy” (2008) as Special Effects Supervisor to director Pam Miras, “Prinsesa” (2007) as Art Director to director Law Fajardo, doc film “Plastic Eaters (Halamang Singaw)” (2018) as Editor and Producer, short feature “Little Forest” (2026) as Writer, Director and Producer, among other audio-visual projects.

In Tumauini, Isabela, Bon climbed the forested Sierra Madre to look for a location suited for a fantasy film he wants until now to star sexy actress Vida Verde.

“Kailangan lang namin ng produksyon ng mga dalawang milyong piso para magawa ang pelikula (Our production needs at least two million pesos to create the film),” he chuckled.

At the lowlands, Labora and this writer conducted an acting workshop for the interested youth in the community to possibly star as well in the film about a spiritual healer mother who climbs up the mountains with her three young daughters as a form of thanksgiving to her ability to heal.

“Grabe ang inakyat naming bundok para lang makahanap ng lokasyon. Pag nagsisimula na kami ng proyekto, dadalhin namin ang mga kabataan ng Tumauini na kasali sa pelikula para mag-acting workshop doon (We climbed that mountains just to look for a location. If we are about to start the project, we will bring there the youth of Tumauini who would be part of the film to conduct an acting workshop),” he said.

Being a polymath, Bon is geared towards a lot of epistemological activities like painting, symposium, poetry, music, graphic design etc. 

Bon indeed embodies the essence of a polymath, seamlessly merging the realms of innovation, naturalism, education and cultural advocacy.

He is currently serving as a Creative Director for a distinguished multimedia firm and imparts knowledge at various esteemed universities.

After graduation from UST, Labora further broadened his academic and cultural perspective through advanced studies in Korea. He earned his Master of Arts in Designing Education from the esteemed Goldsmiths, University of London, enriching his global outlook on design, pedagogy and creative innovation.

With a remarkable talent for crafting exceptional marketing solutions across diverse industries, his visionary intellect has paved the way for novel approaches and strategies in campaign promotion.

Bon is at the forefront of transcending the boundaries of technology and culture, heralding a new era of style and creativity.

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