Thursday, June 25, 2026
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Shameless Senators

Boni Macaranas
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Shameless Senators

For two consecutive days, June 1 and 2, 2026, the known “DDS senators” (referring to the Duterte-supporter-senators, as branded by netizens), composing the majority bloc in the Senate absented themselves from the said official work-days in the Senate Hall. Senate President (SP) Alan Peter Cayetano, senators Pia Cayetano, Mark Villar, Camille Aguilar Villar, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Robin Padilla, Loren Legarda, Francis Chiz Escudero, and Imee Marcos deliberately left the minority-bloc senators waiting for the opening of the plenary sessions on those days.  

On June 2, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada surrendered himself to enforcement authorities by going to the Sandiganbayan to face charges of graft and plunder against him.  As senators-in-session they were duty-bound to legislate, act on pending appointments/promotions of certain individuals, attend committee meetings, and especially to pursue their oath as senator-judges to formally begin as the impeachment court to try VP Sara Duterte for the charges against her, namely, betrayal of public trust, malversation of public funds, culpable violation of the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and other serious crimes against the people. 

Supposedly to justify their move of boycotting their two sessions, SP Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that what they did was a “parliamentary tool” to ensure doing their job properly. The minority bloc, to counter the lame, if not an irresponsible and childish, excuse from the Senate Head, had to call no less than for his resignation as he could “no longer function” as the chamber’s leader. 

Abandonment

They read a joint statement: “What happened today was a clear abandonment of responsibility, a dereliction of duty, and a blatant disregard of the rules that govern this institution, because the Senate cannot be made to stop working simply because its presiding officer refuses to lead.” (Inquirer)    

The people can only shake their heads and could not help branding the absentee-senators as “shameless,” if not “traitors” for disrespecting the people’s expectation of these so-called “honorable” gentlemen to do their important constitutional job of legislation, among other functions. 

At this time, in particular, where their counterparts in the lower house have overwhelmingly voted to impeach the long-non-performing, and shameless betrayer of the people’s trust, VP Sara Duterte, the Senate has been tasked to convene as an impeachment court, to try her on charges of her various crimes against the people. 

Dereliction of Duty

For the people, what they expect is that any senator is bound by his/her oath to report for work and carry out his/her duties in the Senate chamber. Being absent on a work day, without any justifiable reason, basically is a dereliction of duty. 

Besides, as a senator, he/she necessarily has to be discussing issues with other senators to come up with firm decisions expected to benefit the country as a whole. 

That SP Alan Peter Cayetano and the rest of his fellow majority bloc colleagues did not report for two days wasted the people’s money. And as they know, and as the public are aware, the wastage incurred in a day’s absence of usual activity in the Senate Hall amount to more than P25 million – an amount that could have been utilized to benefit their poor constituents – the millions of poor and marginalized Filipinos! 

The boycott of two-days by the majority bloc headed by SP Alan Peter Cayetano can only be considered as a betrayal of public trust, the irresponsible actions (in Pilipino, “malaking pam-babastos sa mga Pilipino!”) by government officials, that deserve only condemnation by the public. By their absence, “missing in action” in their workplace, they have shamelessly looked down on the lowly workers, and telling them, “Sorry, we are privileged mammals”!      

#ThePhInsider

#BoniMacaranas

#CriticalAnalysis

#PhilippineSenate

Cayetano Bloc Pursue Floodgate Scam Probe

Rose de la Cruz
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Cayetano Bloc Pursue Floodgate Scam Probe

A DAY after the so-called SB-11 pulled off a stunt that stripped the majority bloc chairmanship on various committees, Senate members identified to Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano pursued a hearing on the notoriously famous flood control scandal — even after losing chairmanship of the blue ribbon committee.

But before the hearing began, Senator Robin Padilla clashed with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who allegedly tried to prevent former partylist Rep. Mike Defensor and 18 retired Philippine Marine soldiers from entering the Senate building.

Media footage on Facebook however showed that Remulla was on his way out when the crowd of 18 alleged marines and Cayetano, Defensor and Padilla entered.

According to Remulla, “I was walking out when I was pushed aside.”

The Secretary explained that he was present at the Senate on the request of Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian to help maintain order and protect the premises.

The conflict occurred while Padilla and a group of 18 individuals entered the building to attend the blue ribbon committee hearing as “resource persons” in relation to the flood control scandal.

Asked if Remulla tried to block the entry of the senator and his companions, the DILG chief said: “How can I do that? I was alone.” 

Another FB account of News5 said: “Nagkatulakan sina Sec. Jonvic Remulla at Sen. Robin Padilla sa Senado matapos umanong pigilan si Sen. Pia Cayetano na makapasok sa session hall ngayong Huwebes, June 4.”

“Kasabay ito ng isinasagawang pagdinig ng Senate Blue Ribbon panel ukol sa flood control scandal ngayong araw.”

“Matatandaan na nauna nang sinabi ni Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman, Sen. Erwin Tulfo na nakatakda ang pagdinig ng komite sa June 8,” the report said.

Reactions to the various posts ranged from outright anger and disgust at the majority bloc and on the extreme side– a rebuke of Remulla, who when pitted with Padilla was “lahat hangin walang binatbat.” 

Another reaction said: “Ang feeling ni Robin kasama sa pagiging Muslim ang magtapang-tapangan. Pumunta ka sa Iran, Lebanon o Gaza. Mas kailangan ka ng mga Muslim doon.”

The Pia Cayetano-chaired Blue Ribbon hearing with the 18 alleged ex-Marines pushed through despite Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian’s announcement that there’s no session today. 

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta (who along with former Congressman Mike Defensor) first introduced the alleged Marines to the Senate BRC led by then Sen. Ping Lacson, to pin down former Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Marcos’ involvement in the kickbacks from flood control projects through money-filled maletas in Forbes Park.

They framed the questions in a way that the respondent would only answer  affirmatively all the “questions” they raised that directly pinned Romualdez and the President in the scandal citing even the online testimonies (never under oath) of former partylist Rep. Zaldy Co (now a fugitive hiding in Europe).

The duo– Marcoleta and SP Cayetano– even cited the wrongful arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his continued detention in the Hague– when the Philippines was no longer a member of the International Criminal Court. 

The BRC hearing of the Cayetano bloc was obviously intended to paint a very bad and unfair treatment of the president and the political persecution being done, through the impeachment process and coming trial of Sara Duterte scheduled for next month yet by the present administration.

At the rate the hearing proceeded, the expected result that the Cayetano bloc is creating is to sow anger and rage for the Gatchalian bloc and the president, which is creating a great divide in our country.

The BRC led by Sen. Erwin Tulfo announced yesterday that the committee will resume hearings on the flood control mess on Monday.

Gov’t Told to Prioritize Reform vs. Corruption

Rose de la Cruz
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Gov’t Told to Prioritize Reform vs. Corruption

BUSINESS AND reform advocacy groups are pushing for the completion of reforms against corruption to avoid the repeat of the flood control scandal and other cases of plunder and corruption.

The proponents noted that while ongoing investigations have named several prominent individuals involved in the flood mess, these personalities have yet to be brought before Philippine courts and broader reforms intended to prevent similar abuses of public funds are also largely unfinished.

In a joint statement, the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), Justice Reform Initiative (JRI) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said several critical safeguards remain unfinished despite recent progress in transparency and procurement reforms.

These include full project-life-cycle transparency systems, rapid-response mechanisms for procurement red flags and public monitoring tools for major infrastructure projects—measures they said are essential to stopping irregularities before public money is lost, Business Mirror quoted the statement.

The statement comes in the wake of developments linked to the flood-control controversy, which the groups had earlier flagged in December last year.

Since then, the Office of the Ombudsman has announced the filing of plunder and related charges against public officials, while the government has begun implementing the New Government Procurement Act and other transparency initiatives.

Vapid Accountability

The groups said these developments show that institutions can act when credible allegations surface. However, they maintained that accountability mechanisms remain incomplete.

“The challenge before the country is therefore not merely to prosecute past wrongdoing, but to ensure that the conditions that allowed it to occur are fundamentally addressed,” the statement said.

Of the four reform areas the groups proposed in December, they said only one has seen meaningful progress so far—beneficial ownership disclosure through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and the HARBOR registry.

These measures aim to reveal the real owners behind companies that participate in government contracts, reducing opportunities for hidden interests and intermediary entities to benefit from public procurement.

The groups warned, though, that the effectiveness of these reforms will depend on whether they are fully integrated with procurement, tax, audit, and anti-money laundering systems.

They urged the government to accelerate action on several fronts, including the investigation and prosecution of flood-control-related cases, and the apprehension of individuals still outside the reach of Philippine courts.

They also called for full implementation of transparency and digital monitoring provisions under the New Government Procurement Act.

Among their recommendations was the integration of beneficial ownership data with procurement, tax, audit, and AML systems to detect conflicts of interest and suspicious bidding patterns more effectively.

Real Time Tracking

The groups also pushed for real-time public tracking of major infrastructure projects, including updates on disbursements, variation orders, cost overruns, delays, and contractor concentration, Business Mirror added.

They further called for tighter coordination among key agencies, including the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit, Anti-Money Laundering Council, Department of Budget and Management, Government Procurement Policy Board, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and implementing agencies, so that procurement red flags trigger immediate action.

“The Filipino people deserve more than another major scandal followed by years of investigation and delayed accountability,” the groups said.

“They deserve institutions capable of preventing abuse, detecting irregularities early, and ensuring that violations are addressed swiftly and fairly, regardless of position or influence,” it added.

PH Cultural Treasure Named Apo Whang-Od

Domingo P. Herras
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PH Cultural Treasure Named Apo Whang-Od

THE CENTERIAN hand-tap tattoo artist Apo Whang-od is a living cultural treasure from Kalinga, Philippines, who has single-handedly transformed global heritage tourism.

Deep in the mist-shrouded Cordillera mountains, a tiny village of stone and thatch holds the world’s most exclusive ink. Buscalan, once a remote tribal outpost known only to intrepid mountaineers, is now the epicentre of a global tourism phenomenon. 

At the heart of this movement is Apo Whang-od, a centenarian traditional tattoo artist, or mambabatok, whose weathered hands carry the weight of a thousand-year-old tradition. 

Her presence has sparked an unprecedented tourism boom, drawing thousands of travellers, digital nomads, and cultural purists up treacherous mountain passes for a single, painful signature.

What began as a sacred tribal ritual for headhunters and women has evolved into an empire of living history. 

Whang-od uses simple, raw tools: a sharp thorn from a pomelo tree, a bamboo stick, coal, and water. With rhythmic, percussive taps, she drives the ink deep into the skin. 

This raw, organic process offers an intense, visceral authenticity that modern, sterile tattoo parlours simply cannot replicate. It is a primal connection to human history, delivered by a woman who has outlived empires.

APPRENTICING BOOM  

The most remarkable twist in Whang-od’s legacy is her unexpected impact on the youngest generation of travellers. 

In a digital world dominated by algorithms, Gen-Z backpackers are seeking intense, tactile reality. 

This quest for authentic experiences has fueled a massive apprenticing and cultural immersion boom in Buscalan. Young travelers do not just want a souvenir; they want to witness the survival of an endangered art form.

This influx of youth has secured the future of the tradition. 

Because the art of batok can only be passed down through hereditary lineages, Whang-od has trained her grandnieces, Grace Palicas and Elyang Wigan. 

Inspired by this cultural revival, a new generation of local youth is embracing their roots, ensuring the village remains a thriving hub of indigenous art rather than a stagnant museum piece.

ARTISTIC MASTERY  

Whang-od’s talent lies in her masterful precision and deep spiritual connection to her craft. 

Every geometric pattern she creates represents a complex language of tribal identity, bravery, and cosmic balance. Her work bridges the ancient world and modern art, proving that indigenous craftsmanship matches the value of any masterpiece found in western galleries.

The impact of her artistry on the local community is monumental. Tourism has brought vital economic growth to the region, creating jobs, funding education, and improving local infrastructure. 

More importantly, Whang-od has flipped the global narrative on indigenous cultures. Instead of fading into obscurity, her tribal ink has become a prestigious symbol of pride, identity, and artistic brilliance worldwide.

HEALTH UPDATES 

Apo Whang-Od remains in remarkably stable health and celebrated her 109th birthday on February 17, 2026. 

While she does not suffer from chronic or terminal medical conditions, her advanced age has naturally brought minor physical limitations that have altered her daily routine in Buscalan. In July 2024, Whang-Od suffered a fractured left hand after slipping in a bathroom. She successfully underwent surgery on August 12, 2024, requiring a period of medical rest.

Wang-o reduced tattooing activity due to her age, healing timeline, and natural decline in physical strength, Whang-Od no longer hand-taps full geometric designs for tourists. 

Her grandnieces handle the large pieces, while Whang-Od focuses primarily on her signature three-dot tattoo stamp.

MOBILITY CHALLENGES

Her relatives and personal physician, Dr. Salliya (Dr. Sito), note that Whang-Od experiences minor difficulty walking on the rocky, steep terrains of her mountain village. 

Aside from these natural age-related mobility strains, her overall countenance remains sharp and vigorous. 

SECRETS TO LONGETIVITY 

According to her family and medical checkups, Whang-Od rarely gets sick. 

Her community attributes her exceptional lifelong resilience to a  strict organic diet consisting mostly of home-grown leafy vegetables and local wild game. 

Pure mountain air and an active lifestyle free from modern urban stressors. 

Force Majeure: The Legal Phrase Suddenly Everyone Is Using

Eduard M. Riparip, Esq
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Force Majeure: The Legal Phrase Suddenly Everyone Is Using

LAST WEEK, Senator Robinhood Padilla made headlines after invoking the concept of force majeure in discussions involving proposed amendments to Senate rules that would allow senators to participate and vote through videoconferencing during extraordinary circumstances.

The legal phrase instantly became a buzzword in both formal or informal discussions. While it is commonly seen in contracts, the concept of force majeure extends far beyond contractual obligations and may be applied in many legal, governmental, commercial, and even day-to-day situations where extraordinary events disrupt the normal course of human activity.

Interestingly, a lot of Filipinos first heard about this phrase during the COVID-19 pandemic when businesses, schools, and flights were disrupted and affected by lockdowns. It was only after Sen. Padilla mentioned this term that it was brought again in the national conversation and consciousness. Frankly speaking, a very few actually understand what force majeure legally means. 

Let us begin with the term itself.

Force majeure is French. Literally translated, it means “superior force” or “greater force.”

Its roots come from civil law systems influenced by Roman law, and the concept eventually became embedded in many legal systems around the world, including Philippine law.

In ordinary language, force majeure refers to extraordinary events beyond human control that prevent a person from fulfilling an obligation. Under Philippine law, the concept is closely connected to what the Civil Code calls fortuitous events.

Article 1174 of the Civil Code provides:

“Except in cases expressly specified by the law, or when it is otherwise declared by stipulation, or when the nature of the obligation requires the assumption of risk, no person shall be responsible for those events which could not be foreseen, or which, though foreseen, were inevitable.”

That provision is the fundamental legal foundation of force majeure in the Philippines.

In simpler terms, the law generally excuses a person from liability when an obligation cannot be performed because of extraordinary events beyond human control.

Examples include earthquakes, typhoons, floods, wars, armed conflicts, widespread fires, government prohibitions, pandemics, and other unforeseeable and unavoidable events.

But here is an important clarification many people misunderstand: Not every inconvenience is force majeure.

The law requires specific requisites before force majeure may apply.

First, the event must be independent of human will. Second, the event must be unforeseeable or unavoidable. Third, the event must make performance impossible or extremely difficult. And fourth, the person invoking force majeure must not have contributed to the loss or delay through negligence.

For instance, an airline canceled several flights after a volcanic eruption produced ash clouds that endangered air travel. The cancellation may be justified as force majeure because the event was unavoidable and threatened public safety.

It should also be noted that force majeure is commonly divided into two categories: 

  • acts of God, which are natural events beyond human control, such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, lightning, and pandemics.
  • acts of man, which are human-caused events that are likewise beyond the control of the parties, such as wars, riots, strikes, terrorism, rebellions, or government lockdowns.

In both cases, the event must be unavoidable and must make the fulfillment of the obligation impossible or extremely difficult.

Be reminded that a person cannot negligently create a problem and later hide behind “force majeure.” Force majeure is not a universal excuse for irresponsibility.

As I said previously, this civil law concept became especially familiar during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses closed. Flights were canceled. Construction projects stopped. Court hearings shifted online. Classes became virtual. Many contracts suddenly became impossible to perform under normal circumstances.

During that period, Filipinos repeatedly encountered the phrase: “Due to force majeure…”

In reality, however, the legal effects of force majeure depend on the nature of the obligation, the wording of contracts, and surrounding circumstances.

Some obligations are extinguished. Others are merely suspended. Some contracts contain detailed force majeure clauses specifying what events are covered and what remedies apply.

That is why courts analyze these situations carefully on a case-to-case basis.

With the controversial mention of force majeure, one thing is certain: the issue once again brought an old legal concept into public conversation.

Sometimes, legal concepts quietly shape everyday life — during storms, canceled events, online meetings, delayed deliveries, disrupted businesses, and even Senate sessions.

Remember that in law, the phrase is not merely a dramatic excuse. It is a legal concept with specific requisites, limitations, and consequences under the Civil Code.

And as always, not everything beyond convenience qualifies as a superior force under the law.

Class dismissed!

The Majority Bloc’s Childish Tantrums 

Rose de la Cruz
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The Majority Bloc’s Childish Tantrums 

THE CONTINUED boycott by the majority senators led by beleaguered Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano of the Senate proceedings is much like grade school students who refuse to attend class because one of them was expelled by the school principal for his severe violations of school regulations.

This is how low the image of the entire Senate institution had sunk with the belligerence of the decimating majority bloc to recognize that wrongdoings should not be protected, but offenders must face the consequences of their acts.

The majority, which staged the coup to replace SP Tito Sotto with Cayetano (by physically hauling in fugitive Sen. Ronald dela Rosa to the hall to ensure that the leadership change happens and later to hype a drama that the the Senate was being attacked by the NBI through gunshots that later turned out to be coming only from the Senate Sergeant at arms–the tool used by Cayetano to muddle the arrest of dela Rosa.

The Cayetano bloc opted to escort and empathize with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada– wanted for plunder and other crimes– as he surrendered to prevent a repeat of the booboo that happened during the orchestrated escape of dela Rosa while in protective custody of Cayetano.

And just like the students who boycotted their classes because of the rightful expulsion of their peers, the majority bloc took their case to social media to drum up widespread support from the netizens. 

But to their surprise, the netizens voiced their objection to the majority bloc’s insensitivity and their sheer self-preservation agenda, reminding them that these highly-paid lawmakers (now widely termed as law breakers) are wasting their taxes by such childish tantrums.

Cayetano, even as Speaker of the House, refused to honor the term-sharing agreed upon and padlocked the session hall and turned off the internet  so no congressman could vote to expel him from his post. But they did in another place and he was ousted at last. He still carries that image in his heart, which is why he is resorting to other means to prevent his removal.

The minority bloc has demanded his resignation and have shown their solid stand by going to the Senate with a view of raising a resolution and voting on it– to declare all positions vacant. 

Senator Erwin Tulfo said the ongoing boycott of the majority bloc was disgraceful and violated Senate rules. He actively spoke of the “embarrassing” boycott by the majority bloc and demanded the resignation of Cayetano as the latter can no longer function effectively.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, also with the minority bloc, called for Cayetano’s resignation and challenged him to show up, calling the “boycott” a “cowardly” act and criticized him for using Facebook Live to discuss issues instead of appearing on the senate floor.

And today, President Marcos Jr. already ordered the senators to go back to work amid the ongoing impasse in the Senate, warning that the chamber’s inability to hold sessions has disrupted essential legislative functions and undermined government efforts to address pressing national concerns.

The President said his administration is exploring all legal and constitutional options to address the situation, but stressed that resolving the deadlock ultimately depends on the cooperation and commitment of the Senate leadership.

“Get back to work,” Marcos bluntly answered when asked about the Senate’s failure to hold sessions for the past two consecutive days and the uncertainty about whether it would resume sessions before adjourning this week.

“Because it’s important. We have so many things to do in the government,” he averred.

“I’m afraid all these events that we have been witnessing has thrown the whole Senate into disarray. It has discredited the leadership, and it has stopped the essential business of legislation and government,” the president added.

Marcos, a former senator and congressman for Ilocos Norte, was puzzled about how the current Senate got into a chaotic situation.

“The executive continues to work. The judiciary continues to work. Why does the legislature decide to stop working? I don’t understand that,” he said.

College Attainment On Steady Decline

Rose de la Cruz
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College Attainment On Steady Decline

ONLY A limited number of college students finish or graduate from their chosen course, mostly of whom belong to those in urban centers with access to learning materials, scholarships and an enabling learning environment. 

Many – particularly males who are obliged to work to support the family at a young age – drop out of college or finish late, if at all.

An analysis of World Bank data by Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao of the UP-Political Science Department and data analyst of the Inquirer, said finishing college remains an achievement reached only by a limited share of the population in the Philippines, with recent data showing a decline in attainment following a 2019 high.

Panao said college educational attainment among individuals 25 and up, showed a consistent pattern. “Women continue to outpace men in university completion,” such that by 2022 about 20.15 percent of Filipino women had finished college compared with 15.94 percent of men.

He linked this “persistent gender gap to differentiated social and economic expectations.”

He said men are more likely to enter the labor force earlier, particularly in lower-income or rural households “where sons are expected to contribute to family earnings,” the Inquirer reported.

“Women are more often encouraged to complete formal education as a pathway to stable employment and longer-term economic security,” Panao said.

Panao, a faculty member at the UP Department of Political Science has contributed to discussions regarding the challenges and trends in higher education, particularly concerning the [University of the Philippines’ role in social responsibility and academic excellence. His work often intersects with the political and social dynamics influencing the education system. 

Based on the March 2026 Labor Force Survey, out of the 51.65 million individuals in the labor force, 30.31 million were male and 21.34 million were female.

Panao said Thailand shows a similar pattern, with women also consistently outperforming men in higher education attainment, while Indonesia provides a significant contrast.

Despite being the world’s largest Muslim-majority state, “it records near parity in tertiary attainment at roughly 9.67% for women and 9.30% for men in 2022,” Panao noted.

Singapore stands apart with steady increases for both sexes and female attainment rising from 21.6% in 2010 to 34.39%, reflecting sustained expansion in higher education.

Downtrend For Philippines

The Philippines, by contrast, has uneven momentum, with female attainment rising to 27.01% in 2019 before falling to 20.15% in 2022, and men following the same decline.

For Panao, the data, taken together, show both a persistent gender gap and a weakening trajectory in higher education attainment.

“The figures should remind Congress that it is now time to shift attention toward sustained policy commitment to expanding tertiary education access and completion, rather than spending legislative energy on politicking and political distraction,” he said.

A UP Faculty Discourse showed the following perspectives: 

Balancing Excellence and Social Duty: There is an active call among UP political science faculty to ensure that the pursuit of academic excellence does not overshadow social responsibility and student welfare.

Rethinking Academic Metrics: Similar discussions within the UP system, including recent academic work, highlight concerns that the prioritization of “efficiency” and “workforce readiness” can lead to the marginalization of critical, holistic, and general education, which some argue weakens the overall value of a college education. 

Political Context: Panao’s research often tackles the impact of political dynamics and democratic trends in the Philippines, which affects the environment in which academic institutions operate. 

Key insights on the limited college accomplishment include: 

By 2022, only about 20.15% of Filipino women and 15.94% of men aged 25 and older had completed college. 

Despite 60 years of education expansion, disparities in tertiary completion have deepened, with advantaged students more likely to finish than disadvantaged ones. 

Low Graduation Rates: Among students who attend college, only about 46% graduate, with many finishing late.

High Non-Completion Factors: A reduced tuition subsidy (TES) from P60,000 to P10,000 has contributed to limitations in program choice and increased dropout rates. 

While free college policies have boosted enrollment, limited resources have hindered quality, according to Commission of Higher Education (CHED) data. 

Rural-Urban Divide: Location still largely dictates access to higher education, with rural areas facing higher barriers to completion.

To a large portion of the population, financial constraints and lower-quality education in rural areas continue to make tertiary completion difficult.

Energy Drop: The Extrovert Story

Vivien Mangalindan
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Energy Drop: The Extrovert Story

Have you ever noticed someone slowly feel their energy drop… not because anything is wrong, but because they’ve just been away from people for too long? 

The Back Story 

Some people recharge by being alone. Extroverts usually recharge by being around people, conversations, laughter, energy, movement… connection.

Not just social time. A real shift in energy… that pull back into feeling alive again.

When Silence Hits Hard

When isolation happens for too long, something starts to feel off.

The room gets quieter… and so does the mind.

At first, it feels fine. 

  • Quiet. Calm. No pressure.

But then the quiet starts stretching. 

  • Longer days. Slower energy. Less spark.

Nothing dramatic… just a slow shift. And then you notice it. Something feels missing.

Missing Human Flow

It’s not always about parties or nonstop talking.

Sometimes extroverts just miss simple human moments.

“Hey, how’s your day?” 

  • Random jokes. Coffee talks. Quick laughs.

Feeling connected. Part of life again.

These moments look small… but they quietly keep the energy alive.

The Social Drain

That’s why some extroverts feel their energy drop when they’ve been isolated too long.

  • Not always sad. Not always lonely. Just… flat.

Restless. Unplugged.

Like something inside has no place to go.

  • No outlet. No flow. No spark.

Extrovert in isolation feels like that.

From People to Silence

Situation: Mike switches from office life to working from home.

  • Before: He used to be around people all day—quick chats, jokes, constant interaction.
  • After: Mike’s at home most of the time. Quiet stretches longer than expected, and he feels his energy slowly drop without even noticing it.

Tip: One human moment a day is enough. Don’t skip connection.

Sudden Solo Weekend

Situation: Rachel’s weekend plans fall through.

  • Before: Weekends used to mean friends, cafés, laughter, movement everywhere.
  • After: Everyone is busy. The day slows down, and scrolling doesn’t replace real connection.

Tip: Don’t wait for plans. Start one message.

The Energy Gap

Situation: Ike moves to a new city alone.

  • Before: Everything feels exciting—new faces, new energy, new everything.
  • After: A few days alone, the silence in his place feels heavier than expected, and he feels his energy drop.

Tip: Start small. One group, one space, one repeated human connection.

Tips And Techniques 

Connection isn’t just social.

  • For extroverts, it’s fuel.

It’s how energy comes back.

Don’t wait for big plans or perfect moments.

  • Start small. 
  • Send the message. 
  • Start the conversation. 

Show up where people are. One simple moment of connection can shift your entire energy.And sometimes… that’s all it takes. 

Remember: Step out of silence. Talk to someone and recharge your energy.

87% of Junior High Studes Can’t Read Alone

Rose de la Cruz
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87% of Junior High Studes Can’t Read Alone

IT IS ALARMING that 87 percent of junior high school (Grade 11) students struggle to read independently, an indication of a severe literacy crisis, according to the Department of Education.

The DepEd classified the 87% of Grade 11 students as “non-independent readers,” a serious indication of deep and longstanding learning gaps across the education system, reported ABSCBN.

DepEd Undersecretary for Learning Systems Carmela Oracion said the agency recognizes the gravity of the findings reported by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), stressing that the problem did not originate in senior high school but accumulated over many years.

“Gusto kong sabihin na 87 is no small number. A bit of a background on this, actually for the past few years, meron tayo iyong assessments na CRLA for Key Stage 1 (Kindergarten to Grade 3) and then Phil-IRI for Key Stages 2 and 3 (Grades 4 to 6, up to 10). And then last year, we saw that the results were very bad,” Oracion said.

CRLA stands for Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment, a standardized diagnostic tool used by teachers to quickly determine the reading profiles of learners in Key Stage 1 (Grades 1 to 3) and identify those who need targeted reading interventions.

“I’d like to state very clearly that DepEd recognizes that this is very serious,” she added.

Oracion said the literacy crisis reflects learning deficits that began in the early grades and worsened over time due to a combination of social and educational factors.

“When a Grade 11 learner…struggles to read independently, it signals that the problem did not start in senior high school…This is a cumulative gap that has come to be over a period of time,” she said.

Oracion stressed that the problem cannot be attributed to a single cause, citing a combination of poverty-related challenges, limited academic support at home, inadequate access to learning and reading materials, recurring class disruptions, and the long-term impact of pandemic-induced learning losses.

She added that poverty remains one of the most significant barriers to education, with many Filipino learners growing up without basic educational resources that are often readily available to their more privileged peers.

Oracion agreed that the current learning crisis reflects broader systemic problems in Philippine education.

“I agree that whatever problem we are facing now, as indicated by the assessment results, is really a broader failure of the education system. I will not say that it is a broader failure of the K-12 system,” Oracion said.

Interventions

In response to the alarming literacy results, DepEd launched a summer remediation program for senior high school students, which Oracion said ends this week.

“Siniseryoso talaga ng department ‘yan. Beginning with the senior high school remediation program this past summer,” and this ends tomorrow, she said.

The agency is also preparing literacy assessments before the opening of classes to identify students who need targeted interventions and tutoring support.

“Ang gagawin natin next week, June 8 until June 11, ay magli-literacy assessment na tayo, para malaman natin sino pa ba ang nangangailangan ng special attention,” Oracion explained.

She said remediation efforts will be embedded throughout the school year under the new three-term school calendar, which DepEd considers a key reform for learning recovery.

“Umaasa tayo sa benefits ng three-term school calendar. We really think that this is a move to organize the way we run a school year. Imbis na labo-labo, halo-halo, ang ginagawa natin, there’s a dedicated time for teaching and learning,” she said.

“There’s also a dedicated time for remediation, enrichment, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities. We state for a fact that not only academics are important in the education and formation of a child. Importante din ang mga remedial, enrichment programs, at activities,” she added.

She noted that learning gaps remain evident across all grade levels, although DepEd is beginning to see improvements among younger learners.

Oracion acknowledged that teacher workload continues to be a challenge despite reforms aimed at reducing administrative burdens.

“Ang isa ko pang nakikita iyong overburdened school teachers. Palaging nilalabas ‘yan ng ating mga kasamahan sa field. Ginagawa naman talaga rin ng ating HR office ang lahat. Na-simplify na ang mga forms,” she said.

EDCOM 2

The DepED March 2026 pilot run of its SHS Literacy Assessment showed 87 percent of Grade 11 students were not independent readers, meaning they could not comprehend or understand the materials they read based on their level.

“Only 12 percent of learners in the 11th Grade Level are independent learners or readers that are fully able to comprehend or understand as expected from their grade level what the outcome or the information is supposed to be,” lsaid EDCOM II’s Atty. Simoun Salinas oto the House Committee on Basic Education.

EDCOM also said the assessment showed that 872,906 or 58.92 percent of Grade 11 learners remained at the lowest “frustration” level and 422,497 or 28.5 percent were at the “instructional level.

Ongoing Crisis – No End In Sight?

Boni Macaranas
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0
Ongoing Crisis – No End In Sight?

THE SENATE IN chaos with Duterte-senator-fanatics in warpath mode(?) may possibly adversely affect the smooth, impartial, fair, transparent trial of VP Sara Duterte for her crimes against the people by the Impeachment Court.

Alarming for the people for so long is the negligence by the topmost leadership, senators, congressmen and other public officials until today are: the missing P20/kg rice in the market; ‘gas-diesel dagdag-bawas-dagdag-bawas’ cycle; price increases of food and families’ basic necessities and reduced/lost earnings for drivers/operators of jeepneys and other land transport facilities; NTF-ELCAC’s red/terrorist-tagging and AFP attacks (enforced disappearances, illegal arrests/detentions, killings, terrorized/displaced peasant families) against human rights defenders, activists, journalists, lawyers and peasant community advocates; and the unjust detention of more than 770 political prisoners.

UNATTENDED ISSUES

Moreover, what are likewise long-unattended issues by the current Bongbong Marcos —Sara Duterte administration and those in Congress, affecting millions of Filipinos: severe lack of employment and livelihood opportunities for millions of working-age Filipinos; unfair workers/farmers’ wages, considering that a family of 5 persons actually needs to earn P1,200 per day to enjoy decent living; unchecked fake news and widespread disinformation, benefiting crooked politicians; unaddressed educational needs of elementary and high school students, to raise their learning proficiencies (in math, science, reading/language, and critical thinking) to international educational standards; healthcare system needing improvement; long-delayed justice-delivery – resulting in great injustice to victims, given PNP’s inefficiency in apprehending fugitives –Atong Ang, ex-congressman Elizaldy Co, and at least one big drug lord to minimize or finally stop the proliferation of drugs in the market.

The most important fugitive that needs to be caught by the PNP as soon as possible is Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, because his apprehension and trip to the Hague to be detained in an International Criminal Court (ICC) detention cell will most likely console his idol, the months-long ICC jailbird, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Note that Sen. Bato de la Rosa is the principal co-perpetrator of Rodrigo’s crimes against humanity, with his bloody “War on Drugs” campaign resulting in about 30,000 extra-judicial killings (EJKs).

ALLOCABLES

An urgent issue the people have been looking forward to, given the obvious findings that the Congress’ Committee on Justice has unearthed from its TV-live-streamed investigations on the DPWH’s flood-control and infrastructure projects is the urgent action of filing cases which will convict and jail the big ‘fishes’ (senators and congressmen) clearly involved and guilty of robbing the people’s money via their “allocables” in the DPWH projects, worth millions or billions of pesos. (Names mentioned in mainstream media include Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, former Sen. Ramon Revilla, ex-Representative Elizaldy Co, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, and others who have managed to hide themselves from the authorities.)

No less important as a serious problem faced by millions of Filipinos and needing solution is the decades-long problem of poverty currently causing much suffering – unable to enjoy dignified living — to more than 60,000,000 Filipinos. And this situation is glaringly alarming, given that such is in contrast to what a senator’s monthly salary/allowances, paid by the people’s tax money, that is, amounting to more than P300,000!

The monthly salary/allowances of a congressman will not be far in the thousands, compared to that of a senator. And to realize that these so-called “honorable” public officials are mandated to come up with laws and programs that will improve the living conditions of their fellow Filipinos.

When will Pres. Bongbong and VP Sara, senators and other public officials seriously work on solving the myriad problems adversely impacting the majority of the Filipino people? Hopeless, because corruption reigns nationwide?!

ThePhInsider

CriticalAnalysis

KaBoniMacaranas

Allocables

MyriadProblems

CrimeAgainstHumanity

InternationalCriminalCourt

Bonding Time With a Retired Colonel and Son in Boracay

Boy Villasanta
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1
Bonding Time With a Retired Colonel and Son in Boracay

IT WAS A long overdue invitation.

Ret. Col. Severina Anacion Rojas had been inviting me for the longest time in an all-paid trip to a vacation in Boracay since God knows when.

The other invites she has been offering me are trips to Corregidor, Bataan all these Aprils on practically all Philippine freedom days and a sightseeing from a mountaintop in Tanay, Rizal, all of these have not been realized yet particularly the historical World War II ruins of Corregidor.

The Bataan visit is still a standing invite since my retired cousin military nurse I and her confreres endearingly call Ate (a term for older sister or woman by blood or affinity) Vener is a veteran of the Vietnam war–as a medical professional for the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) contingent and war-torn Mindanao in the early eighties with then newly installed army officers Gringo Honasan and Ramon Biazon as superiors.

With all her achievements in the service, Ate Vener’s wish is to ride again a helicopter to reminisce her past in Saigon and Jolo, Sulu.

Meanwhile, the paradise haven in Tanay is no longer managed by Ate Vener’s closest relatives.

I finally gave in to the Boracay enticement not necessarily to set foot in the pinkish sands and frolic in the blue seas of the Aklan island but more so, to bond with her and son Roy Rojas with their cousin Lorena Perez in tow.

Oh, yes! I regularly drop by the Rojas’ house in Murphy, Cubao but I wanted a new environment that could possibly lend and dig in dimensions or realizations in integrating and interacting with her and Roy, primarily, and Lorena, secondarily.

A foresight if not an option: To make my transport to NAIA more convenient, on time, hassle-free and easier from the uncertainty and inefficiency of public transport, I decided to meet my companions at their residence and advised them that I’d sleep over there.

Together, in agreement, we would take a Grab to NAIA.

On the night before our early morning flight to Caticlan Airport, Roy was steadily monitoring me where I already was from my travel to 14th Avenue, a stone’s throw from Camp Aguinaldo, from San Pedro City, Laguna where I stay.

Ate Vener was even checking on me on audio call in our GC as the evening wore off to make sure I should make it.

I don’t usually break a promise, though.

After beating print and online writing deadlines, I made it past midnight to the Rojases.

I presumed Ate Vener as well as Roy were relieved to finally see me.

After catching up with naps in the wee hours of the morning, we went on to the airport.

Roy was a perfect travel buddy for he knows well enough how to solve current air transport conundrums like digital passenger or baggage check-ins that could make one’s travel pretty smooth-sailing.

Although there were flight interruptions if not delays, we made it to Boracay before lunch.

Roy was the efficient schedule master, tour guide, economical kitchen menu expert in every meal as Boracay is a tourist destination etc. having been in the island for more than ten years.

As an octogenarian, Ate Vener just wanted to revisit Boracay for the nth time and to savor the beauty of the place.

“Makarating pa kaya ako ulit dito sa isang taon (Could I still make it here next year?),” she wondered nonchalantly.

The four-night and five-day stay in Boracay were such revealing moments.

Roy and I were able to exchange ideas and get through each other’s consciousness.

We were confronted with a lot of questions about life’s many issues, in general, to look at it with objectivity, understanding and resolve.

At the end of the day, we became closer as cousins.

Ate Vener was doting and generous as a mom and aunt.

Lorena was the witness to all our getting to know more about ourselves who managed as well to discern a lot of things about life in the middle of the busy front beach and the wonders of nature.

TESDA Holds Skills Olympics

Edwin Moreno
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0
TESDA Holds Skills Olympics

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-National Capital Region (TESDA-NCR) brought the curtain down on WorldSkills Philippines – NCR 2026 with a grand Awarding Ceremony held at the TESDA Multi-purpose Gymnasium.

According to TESDA, the occasion marks a mission — celebrating the region’s most outstanding young technical vocational talent’s and sending its champions forward to the National Skills Olympics.

The weeklong competition which opened on May 25 under the theme “ONE  NCR Skilled, Dynamic, and Future-Ready,” drew 120 competitors, 98 experts and 27 participating institutions competing across skills areas spanning construction, information technology, creative industries, manufacturing and beauty Care, among other priority sectors.

The Awarding of winners served as the ceremony’s centerpiece, formally recognizing NCR’s top performers who will carry the region’s banner to the WorldSkills Philippines 2026 National Competition.

The winners were drawn from a field of competitors tested across emerging and traditional disciplines, including Cyber security, Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Electrical Vehicle Technology, Additive manufacturing, Web Technologies, Game Programing, Prototype Modelling, Automobile Technology, Fashion, Technology and Electrical Installation among others.

“WorldSkills is more than a competition -it is a national platform for excellence, discipline,and transformation,” said TESDA NCR Regional Director Angelina M. Carreon, CEO lll, who delivered the closing message.

The Awarding Ceremony marks the beginning of TESDA NCRs quest to compete for national honors and the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the international WorldSkills arena. 

With strong industry support ensuring access to equipment and training aligned with international standards, TESDA NCR continues to prepare Filipino workers for the global stage 

Is SMC Holdings Lying To Or For RSA

Rose de la Cruz
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0
Is SMC Holdings Lying To Or For RSA

THE PROPOSED P7.8 billion Boracay Bridge, which would ease global and local tourists in the resort famous for its white sand beaches, is undergoing one of the worst communication crisis with the stakeholders, represented by Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, who claimed to have succeeded in convincing the bridge proponent/executor SMC Holdings president/CEO Ramon S. Ang to cancel his project. In a press release, SMC Holdings flatly denied.

Obviously, someone is telling a big lie. The way people look at it, this is not coming from the small and ill-equipped island people but from the powerful and moneyed conglomerate in Metro Manila – which lately has also been lambasted for the cutting of trees along Quirino Avenue, Manila to give way to the subway and perhaps in Palawan also.

‘The people of Boracay … have been appealing to the President to discontinue the bridge, which will only destroy the livelihood of the boatmen, the small businesses, and most importantly, the marine ecosystem and the entire environment of the province.’

Our country is now being run and owned by just a few rich and influential people and no one in Malacañang or the bureaucracy– with its immense power and resources– would dare confront. Is it because those in power now are beholden to a few rich oligarchs who financed their way to power?

The people of Boracay, including the Boracay Chambers of Commerce and Industry, have been appealing to the President to discontinue the bridge, which will only destroy the livelihood of the boatmen (who ferry people from the main province of Aklan to any of the three stations of Boracay), the small businesses, and, most importantly, the marine ecosystem and the entire environment of the province.

MORAL OBLIGATION
As one journalist– Joel Paredes– posted on his FB page: “if Mr. Ramon Ang is genuinely as patriotic and caring as he is projected to be in public, he should realize that even within a “free market,” he has moral obligations that go far beyond mere profit. Hopefully, gone are the days when corporations could simply circumvent the law to the point of defying nature itself.”

​”We have already seen how the public reacted to his planned felling of trees to accommodate a modern skyway. This time, he is insisting on pushing forward with the P7.78 billion bridge project his company proposed to connect the mainland to Boracay Island,” he added.

This persistence comes despite Aklan Governor Joen Miraflores’ pronouncement that the project will no longer proceed, following intense backlash from local residents concerned over fragile marine ecosystems and the destruction of local boatmen’s livelihoods.

​Mr. Ang has attempted to justify the venture, highlighting it as a proposed public-private partnership (PPP) that his firm won through a competitive challenge process. Yet, the project only secured its footing in the first place because of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon’s nod.
​
Ang seems to remain the villain in a province ravaged by unprecedented flooding, which many blame on his massive aerotropolis project—even if there is already a laundry list of other environmental degradations to account for.

​”No, sir, we cannot simply return to the days of unabated corporate lobbying that, with a little help from political friends, ravaged the beautiful greenery we were once proud of. We are entering an era where there will always be dissent, because enough is enough,” Paredes concluded.

#ThePhInsider

#RoseDeLaCruz

#BoracayBridge

#RamonAng

#SMCHoldings

#Boracay

The Capital Letters Of Survival

Gwenn Canlas
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35
The Capital Letters Of Survival

LET’S TALK ABOUT dyslexia.

Not the after-school-special version. Not the lazy “letters backwards” stereotype people still drag around from the 90s. I mean the real thing: the exhausting, frustrating, invisible war between a child’s brain and a page full of symbols everyone else seems to understand automatically.

My son was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was young.

And if you’ve never lived with it up close, let me clear something up immediately: dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. Some of the brightest people I know have dyslexic brains. Their minds move fast—sometimes too fast. The problem isn’t that they can’t think. The problem is that written language doesn’t always arrive in their brain in an orderly little line the way schools expect it to.

‘[D]yslexic kids become incredibly good problem-solvers because they’ve been troubleshooting reality since first grade.
They learn resilience early. They learn creativity early. They learn how to think sideways when the straight path doesn’t work.

THE DYSLEXIC BRAIN
Reading can feel like trying to assemble furniture while someone keeps rotating the instruction manual.

For my son, certain letters were enemies. Especially b and d.

To most people, those letters are obviously different. But to a dyslexic brain, they can look like the exact same shape flipped around. If your brain struggles with left-to-right orientation, those tiny curves become traps.

And people don’t realize how exhausting that is.

Imagine having to stop and negotiate with your own alphabet every few seconds while the rest of the class keeps moving.

That kind of mental fatigue wears kids down quietly. They start thinking they’re slow. Lazy. Broken. Meanwhile, they’re working twice as hard just to decode a single sentence.

What amazed me most wasn’t the diagnosis. It was what my son did next.

INVENTED TRICK
Nobody taught him this trick. No specialist suggested it. No expensive program handed it to him.

He invented it himself.

He noticed that lowercase b and d confused him—but capital B and D looked completely different. One had two bumps. The other had one big belly. Easy.

So he created his own survival system.

Right in the middle of ordinary lowercase words, he started throwing in random capital letters to help himself identify sounds and shapes while writing.

Thumb became ThumB.
Made became MaDe.

Technically? Wrong.

According to every grammar teacher alive, absolutely unacceptable.

But honestly? I thought it was brilliant.

While adults were busy trying to force his brain to follow the rules, my son quietly redesigned the rules so his brain could function.

That’s what people misunderstand about dyslexia.

THE ‘NORMAL’ BRAIN
Overcoming it doesn’t mean magically waking up one day with a “normal” brain. It means building workarounds. Creating shortcuts. Finding patterns other people never have to think about. It’s adaptation. Strategy. Survival.

And dyslexic kids become incredibly good problem-solvers because they’ve been troubleshooting reality since first grade.

They learn resilience early. They learn creativity early. They learn how to think sideways when the straight path doesn’t work.

That’s not weakness. That’s a different kind of intelligence.

So the next time you see a child writing outside the lines, pausing too long over a sentence, or sticking capital letters where they “don’t belong,” maybe don’t rush to correct them.

You might be looking at a kid building a bridge nobody else realized they needed just to cross the page.

Those random capital letters were never mistakes.

They were breadcrumbs.
Tiny survival markers left behind by a child finding his way through a language that refused to meet him halfway.

And I still think that’s one of the smartest things I’ve ever seen.

The Certified Prick – Explaining medicine without sounding like an insurance disclaimer

#ThePhInsider

#TheCertifiedPrick

#GwennCanlas

#Dyslexia

A Central Digital Platform For Large Taxpayers

Rose de la Cruz
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0
A Central Digital Platform For Large Taxpayers

TO EASE THE load for large taxpayers who bring big volumes of various transactions and other pertinent documentary requirements, the Bureau of Internal Revenue launched on Tuesday its centralized digital platform that would benefit those falling under the Large Taxpayers Service (LTS).

The BIR and its mother agency, the Department of Finance, released a video presentation explaining how the centralized platform would greatly benefit those in LTS– which they credit for helping the government raise revenues for economic growth.

The portal allows taxpayers to manage tax records and transactions in one place, including viewing registration details, monitoring filed returns, tracking payments, accessing account ledgers, and receiving automated reminders.

‘The portal allows taxpayers to manage tax records and transactions in one place, including viewing registration details, monitoring filed returns, tracking payments, accessing account ledgers, and receiving automated reminders.’

SIMPLIFIED COMPLIANCE
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the platform would simplify compliance by eliminating the need to navigate multiple systems and scattered records.

The launch was held at the BIR’s main office in Quezon City and attended by DOF and BIR officials, along with representatives of LTS taxpayers.

Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said TP Portal forms part of the BIR’s ongoing modernization efforts aimed at improving taxpayer service, transparency, and efficiency, the Bulletin reported.

Mendoza explained that the portal is among several digital initiatives introduced by the BIR this year, including the interactive digital tax calendar, letter of authority (LOA) verifier, digital tax identification number (TIN) via eGovPH App, and a QR-enabled registration seal badge for online enterprises.

The BIR assured taxpayers that the TP Portal registered under LTS that the portal is a  secure centralized digital platform designed to help taxpayers manage tax records and transactions in one place.

Through the portal, taxpayers may view registration details, monitor filed tax returns by tax type, track tax payments, access account ledgers, and receive system-generated reminders.

The platform is intended to provide taxpayers and the BIR with a more consistent and organized view of tax records while simplifying day-to-day compliance management. 

NO UNNECESSARY STEPS
Secretary Go said the TP Portal would eliminate the need for taxpayers to navigate multiple systems, fragmented records, and repeated follow-ups to complete routine tax obligations.

“Instead of going through separate platforms and scattered records, everything is now in one place. One portal. One account. One complete, reliable view of your tax records. No more unnecessary steps,” Go said.

For his part, Revenue Commissioner Mendoza said the pilot implementation initially covers taxpayers under the LTS to allow the bureau to work closely with businesses operating at the highest levels of tax and compliance complexity while the system continues to be refined.

“To our taxpayers under the Large Taxpayers Service, your role in the country’s economy goes beyond collections,” the commissioner said.

He lauded the taxpayers’ “discipline, consistency, and professionalism in tax compliance that help reinforce confidence in the Philippines as a stable, credible, and investment-ready business environment.

#ThePhInsider

#DigitalPlatform

#SimplifiedCompliance

#BureauOfInternalRevenue

#Taxpayers

Reminiscing Carnival Queen Rosario H. Panganiban

Boy Villasanta
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0
Reminiscing Carnival Queen Rosario H. Panganiban

BEFORE THE proliferation of national beauty pageants and product endorsers in the country, there was the so-called Carnival Queen during the turn of the century.

The Carnival Queen may not be as prestigious as Miss Philippines, Bb. Pilipinas, Mutya ng Pilipinas, Miss RP, Miss World Philippines, and Miss Universe Philippines to name a few.

It may not be as grand like muses of commercial and corporate reps as Miss Caltex, Miss Magnolia, Baron Travel Girl or state-sponsored beauty titles like Miss Green Revolution, the local beauty searches as Miss Barangay Uno, Miss Quezon Province, Miss Talipapa or even Miss Gay Manila.

But Filipino women at that time mostly dreamt of being part if — if not becoming the Carnival Queen herself.

In the American period, sense of pulchritude is one of the factors that sustained the assimilation of imperial, colonial culture and to publicly show the economic development, however debatable or it might serve the elite, under the Commonwealth government.  

One of the most personal and historical figures in the Carnival Queen era was the candidacy of Rosario H. Panganiban as Miss Pampanga in 1926 and her discovery by film pioneer Vicente Salumbides who later became her husband.

Soon-to-be-statesman Carlos P. Romulo was the consort of 1922 Miss Pansanjan, Laguna Virginia Llamas who later became his wife.

Pacita Ongsiako de los Reyes, 1929 Carnival Queen was a socialite who was married to an American surgeon, Dr. Ralph Phillips.

To bring back the glitz and glamour, the atmosphere of Uncle Sam conquest and the American Dream of milk and honey, the socio-politico-cultural era of high society and the essence of democracy, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presents “Manila Carnival Queens: Celebration of Filipino Womanhood,” a closing tribute to the celebration of the National Month of Heritage this month by the Metropolitan Theater with the collaboration of Panasonic Projector and Display.

The exclusive play, which goes onstage at the Metropolitan Theater on May 30, 2026 at 7 pm, is written by Nicolas Pichay, directed by Rem Zamora and musically scored by Vincent A. de Jesus.                 

Can a Probationary Employee Be Dismissed Anytime?

Eduard M. Riparip, Esq
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1
Can a Probationary Employee Be Dismissed Anytime?

“ALALAHANIN mo, probationary ka pa lang.”

In the Philippines, that statement is often articulated by supervisors like a threat, especially when probationary employees commit mistakes and express disagreements or even simple misunderstandings. Sometimes, it is casually thrown around to make workers feel replaceable — as if probationary employees have no rights, no job security, and no protection under the law.

This is a dangerous misconception. It should have no place in the workplace.

Under the Labor Code, probationary employees are still employees. They are not disposable workers who may be dismissed anytime for any reason. They are legally shielded.

As a matter of fact, they enjoy the constitutional and statutory protection of security of tenure.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution expressly provides that the State shall afford full protection to labor and guarantee security of tenure to workers. This protection is implemented through the Labor Code of the Philippines.

So, what does security of tenure mean? It is a legal principle which protects an employee from dismissal without lawful cause and observance of due process.

Yes, even probationary employees.

Who are probationary employees? These are employees placed on trial period to determine fitness for regular employment. Under the Labor Code, probationary employment generally shall not exceed six months unless covered by apprenticeship agreements or special circumstances. However, this six-month period does not cover teachers, professors, and instructors of private education institutions. These academic personnel are governed by the Revised Manual of Regulations for Private Schools and not the Labor Code.

Many employers mistakenly believe that because an employee is probationary, termination may be done anytime, without explanation, and without procedure. That is incorrect.

Under the Labor Code and related jurisprudence, a probationary employee may only be terminated for:

  • a just or authorized cause under the law; or
  • failure to qualify as a regular employee in accordance with reasonable standards made known by the employer at the time of engagement.

This second ground is very important.

An employer cannot simply wake up one day and say: “Hindi ka pasado.”

The law requires fairness.

For a valid dismissal of a probationary employee based on failure to meet standards, several requisites must generally be present.

First, the employer must communicate the reasonable standards for regularization at the time of hiring. The employee must know what standards he or she is expected to meet. Otherwise, how can the employee fairly comply?

Second, the standards must be reasonable, lawful, and related to the job. An employer cannot invent arbitrary standards merely to avoid regularization.

Third, the employee must actually fail to meet those standards. Poor performance must be supported by substantial evidence such as evaluations, documented incidents, reports, or objective assessments.

And fourth, procedural due process must still be observed. Even probationary employees are entitled to notice and an opportunity to explain, especially when dismissal is based on just causes such as serious misconduct, fraud, or gross neglect of duty, and authorized causes.

In other words, probationary status does not erase human dignity and legal rights.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that probationary employees are protected by security of tenure during the probationary period. This means they cannot be dismissed whimsically, arbitrarily, or out of bad faith.

Sad to say, many Filipino workers are still unaware of this legal protection. Some employees silently accept illegal dismissals because they believe: “Probationary lang naman ako.”

Others are pressured into resigning without understanding that the law still protects them.

Labor rights are not limited to regular employees with long years of service. The law protects workers even during probation because the Constitution recognizes labor not merely as a commodity, but as a human and social force deserving protection.

Being probationary does not mean being powerless.

And employers, while given the right to evaluate workers, must still exercise management prerogatives within the limits of law, fairness, and due process.

Class dismissed!

Calm and Clear: Precision Under Pressure

Vivien Mangalindan
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0
Calm and Clear: Precision Under Pressure

Bill was doing fine—until the department head walked into the planning session. Suddenly, he started babbling. Pressure does that. It turns clear thoughts into messy words fast.

The Back Story

Ever notice how pressure turns clear thoughts into jumbled words? Not in calm moments. That’s when everyone sounds smart.

  • Clean sentences.
  • Good timing.
  • Nice flow.

But under pressure?

That’s where communication either sharpens… or falls apart. Pressure doesn’t ask permission. It just shows up.

  • A tight deadline.
  • A tense conversation.
  • A room full of expectations.

Suddenly your thoughts start moving faster than your mouth can keep up.

And that’s where things go off track.

  • People over-explain.
  • People rush words.
  • People say too much… or worse, say the wrong thing.

Precision Is Not More Words

Precision under pressure is not about saying more. It’s about saying less… but clearer.

Ask yourself:

  • What actually matters right now?
  • What does the other person need to hear?
  • What’s the simplest way to land this message?

That’s precision.

  • Not decoration.
  • Not noise.
  • Just clarity.

Say the Core – Then Stop

Under pressure, the real skill is this:

  • Stop for a second.
  • Think before you speak.

Even a two-second pause changes everything.

  • It stops emotional overflow.
  • It turns reaction into response.

A simple structure helps:

  • Say the core message.
  • Add only what supports it.
  • Stop talking.

That’s it.

  • No spirals.
  • No repeating.
  • No drifting.

If the core is strong, you don’t need to decorate it.

The Deadline Message

Situation

Jerry is in a team meeting. The deadline just got moved up. Everyone is waiting for direction.

Before

  • Jerry: “We might need to adjust a few things because the timeline feels tight and there could be issues if we don’t coordinate properly…”

People are unsure what actually changed.

After

  • Jerry: “Deadline moved up. We adjust the plan. I’ll split tasks and send updates today.”

Everyone moves.

Tip

Say the move. Then stop.

The Last-Minute Cancel Plan

Situation

Mitch is supposed to meet her close friend Pat, but something unexpected comes up and she can’t make it.

Before

  • Mitch: “I’m really sorry I feel bad but something came up and I was planning to still try to make it but then I realized I might be late and I don’t want to ruin your time so maybe we could still maybe…”

It turns messy and unclear.

After

  • Mitch: “I can’t make it today. Something came up. Let’s reschedule for this weekend.”

Clear. Respectful. Easy to understand.

Tip

Be clear first. Be kind second.

The Group Decision

Situation

Roy is out with friends deciding where to eat. Everyone is talking at once.

Before

  • Roy: “Maybe we could go there or somewhere else or I’m okay with anything really…”

The group stalls.

After

  • Roy: “Let’s go to Sam’s Grill. Quick yes or no.”

Decision happens fast.

Tip

One clear option leads. Ten soft ones stall.

The Real Skill

Communicating well under pressure isn’t about sounding perfect.

It’s the ability to:

  • Slow your words down.
  • Tighten your message.
  • Deliver only what matters

Pressure will always test communication.

But the goal isn’t to talk more.

  • It’s to think sharper… and speak simpler.
  • Because when pressure rises, clarity becomes power.

Remember: Stay clear when pressure rises.

Granting Bato’s Immunity Wish Is A Bad Precedent

Rose de la Cruz
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Granting Bato’s Immunity Wish Is A Bad Precedent

A SENIOR magistrate dismissed the possibility of granting Senator “Bato” Dela Rosa’s plea seeking “temporary immunity from arrest” in the guise of an “interim relief.”

According to Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, such an idea may set dangerous precedents, which could be used in evading criminal liability.

In a separate concurring opinion, Leonen stood firm on the Supreme Court’s decision to deny Dela Rosa’s bid for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a status quo ante order (SQAO).

Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the crimes against humanity filed by families of slain drug suspects during the senator’s stint as national police chief under the Duterte administration.

The fugitive senator earlier asked the Supreme Court to stop the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies from implementing an arrest warrant from a “foreign court.”

According to Leonen, preventing law enforcers from doing their job translates to immunity from arrest.

“This incident, occasioned by petitioner’s manifestations and motions, is principally a prayer to this Court to halt law enforcement through a temporary restraining order, a writ of preliminary injunction, or a status quo ante order. In effect, it seeks temporary immunity from arrest,” Leonen said.

As a general rule, Philippine courts do not issue injunctions to restrain criminal prosecutions or arrests before the warrant is served, adding that the legality of state action is tested after it has been invoked.

“Whether the contested warrant and its attempted enforcement are regular is precisely what a future proceeding must determine,” Leonen explained.

While Leonen acknowledged that the rights to liberty and security are firmly established in the “constitutional order,” he maintained that Dela Rosa failed to show a material and substantial invasion of these rights.

The magistrate further said that a plain, speedy and adequate remedy already exists in the form of a petition for habeas corpus, which is appropriate for testing the legality of restraint — but only after the person is actually detained.

Leonen however assured that Dela Rosa will be accorded with judicial remedies such as the writ of habeas corpus if he is arrested.

Leonen was among the nine Supreme Court justices who voted to deny Dela Rosa’s plea for interim relief concerning the government’s cooperation with the ICC.

21 Station Chiefs Axed For Flunking Exam

Edwin Moreno
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21 Station Chiefs Axed For Flunking Exam

BUNGLED anti-crime operations are usually caused by the law enforcers’ lack of familiarity in properly handling fragile situations.

In the provinces of Cavite, Rizal and Quezon (which forms part of the Calabarzon), the regional police chief cited the need to equip law enforcers with ample knowledge in managing police operations.

To begin with, Calabarzon Police Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan relieved 21 police station chiefs from their posts after failing the enhanced managing police operations or EMPO course.

In the meantime, the officers on administrative relief would be replaced by their deputies, while waiting to retake the exam.

From the list of 21 axed local police chiefs, 11 come from Quezon province, two from Cavite and one from Rizal.

“The police chiefs who failed the test will be given a second and third chance to retake the exam. If they fail three times, they will be facing permanent replacement from their posts,” said Marantan who previously directed all chiefs of police in Calabarzon region to take the EMPO to determine their familiarity with police operations.

Citing poor performance and the failure to stop illegal gambling in their jurisdictions, Marantan hinted at reshuffling police chiefs in the region which also covers Batangas and Laguna provinces.

Previously, Narabtab relieved seven chiefs of police in Laguna, Cavite and Rizal PNP stations for poor performance, career advancement, overstaying and lack of initiative and dedication for police work.

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