Just as I arrived from a five-day humanitarian mission cum vacation in Basilan and Zamboanga, I decided to travel straight to Marikina to spend the remaining days of the Holy Week with family and relatives. The sudden shift in climate hit me hard—quite literally.
Category: Opinion
When the Butterfly Gland Becomes a Threat
Just this morning, a close friend confided in me some deeply painful news—her daughter has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I tried to offer comfort […]
My Personal Journey
As Women’s Month draws to a close, I reflect on my own journey, which, like many women’s stories, is filled with challenges.
A NATION DIVIDED BY EMOTIONS
The ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly regarding his controversial war on drugs, has sparked significant debate. Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, launched in 2016, allegedly resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, prompting the ICC to investigate potential crimes against humanity. As expected, the inquiry has divided public opinion, with staunch supporters defending Duterte’s actions while critics condemn them as human rights violations.
ZTE Philippines nagpahayag ng pasasalamat sa kahusayan ng Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila
NAGPAHAYAG ng pasasalamat ang ZTE Philippines, Inc. sa isang liham na ipinadala kay Department of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, kung saan pinuri nito ang natatanging serbisyo sa customs clearance na ibinibigay ng Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila (BOC-POM).
Internal Quality Audit sa taong 2025 ng Port of Batangas, Matagumpay na Natapos
MATAGUMPAY na naipasa ng Pantalan ng Batangas (Port of Batangas) ang Internal Quality Audit (IQA) na isinagawa ng Interim Internal Quality Management System Office (IIQMSO) noong Marso 5-6, 2025.
LINGKOD TIMOG 2025
The Lingkod Timog Foundation, a non-governmental organization established in 2005, in partnership with the Philippine Marine Corps Foundation Inc. (PMCFI), successfully conducted a two-day Medical Civic Assistance Program (MEDCAP), on March 1 and 2, 2025, benefiting communities in Zamboanga del Norte and the outskirts of Zamboanga City.
MR. MALASAKIT
When people hear the name “Mr. Malasakit,” one person immediately comes to mind: Senator Bong Go. His dedication to serving Filipinos, especially during times of crisis, has made him a familiar and trusted figure across the country. Time and again, Senator Go has demonstrated that his top priority is providing assistance, particularly to those facing medical and financial hardships.
POLL SURVEYS AND VOTER BEHAVIOR
Poll surveys have long played a big role in shaping public opinion and guiding election campaigns, both in the Philippines and other countries. These surveys, often used by candidates, political advisors, and the media, provide a quick view of voter preferences. But the question is—how reliable are these surveys in accurately reflecting voter behavior, and how much do they actually influence voters?
Port of San Fernando District Collector Barte Jr. Receives Plaque of Recognition
Collection District I, Port of San Fernando District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Z. Barte Jr. accepts the Plaque of Recognition from Department of Finance Usec. Charlito Mendoza and Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio for its significant contribution in the achievement of the Bureau’s 2024 collection target, and its earnest commitment to fulfill the agency core mandates of revenue collection, trade facilitation and border protection.
AFP AND PNP’S SUCCESSFUL OPERATION IN TAGUM CITY
The successful operation in Tagum City on January 31, 2025, is a powerful example of the excellent coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). This joint effort, which involved several AFP and PNP units, demonstrated how their combined strength can effectively maintain peace and security, especially with the upcoming elections in mind.
Port of Batangas lumampas sa target na koleksyon, nagtala ng ₱444-M sobra para sa Enero 2025
Naabot ng Port of Batangas (POB) ang una nitong pangunahing layunin ngayong taon, matapos malampasan ang itinakdang target na kolektahin para sa Enero 2025.
RENEWAL OF IBC-13 FRANCHISE
The Senate will soon finally approve House Bill No. 6505, which seeks to extend the franchise of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) for an additional 25 years. This renewal not only strengthens the network’s operational foundation but also sets the stage for its eventual privatization. IBC-13, once owned by Roberto S. Benedicto and later sequestered by the Corazon Aquino administration, has long struggled with financial instability and mismanagement. With the franchise renewal on the horizon, however, the network is poised for modernization and a significant increase in market value.
SENATE APPROVES FIXED TERM FOR COAST GUARD COMMANDANT
The Senate has approved House Bill No. 10841 on Third Reading, which aims to fix the term of office for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant. This measure seeks to enhance the leadership stability of the agency, aligning with the country’s need to address growing maritime security challenges amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
PIMENTEL VS TEODORO
The rivalry between Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro has heated up as the 2025 congressional race for Marikina’s First District nears. This contest, once shaped by political alliances, now sees both men vying for control of the district in a head-to-head competition.
JOURNALISTS’ ROLE IN UPHOLDING PUBLIC TRUST
With midterm elections fast approaching, Professor Rachel E. Khan’s talk, “Information as a Tool for Citizens’ Trust and Participation in the Policy Process,” delivered in late 2024 at the Senate of the Philippines under the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Capacity Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program, provides valuable insights that are especially important for me as a journalist for Diyaryo Pinoy and other publications. Since I started writing opinion columns in 2011, I’ve seen how news distribution has changed—from the time when traditional print media was dominant to the growing power of social media. Even with these changes, the publications I write for have continued to print physical copies while also embracing digital platforms to stay relevant in today’s fast-changing media world.
MGA BAGONG DISTRICT COLLECTOR ITINALAGA NI COMMISSIONER RUBIO
Sa bisa ng Customs Personal Order #B-001-2025 na inaprubahan ni Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, itinalaga ni Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio si Atty. Marlon Fritz Broto bilang bagong District Collector ng Port of Subic at si Atty. Geoffrey De Vera na pamumunuan naman ang Port of Cebu.
The Rise and Fall of Guerrilla Front Sendong
The history of Guerrilla Front Sendong (GF Sendong), operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental, is marked by both brutality and persistence. For decades, this group, named after its late leader Joel Cecilio O. Jose (alias Sendong), instilled fear through a series of atrocities that disrupted communities, crippled development, and left an indelible scar on the region. However, after years of targeted operations, the combined forces of the Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade (102Bde) and other government units ultimately dismantled this Communist Terrorist Group, signaling a triumphant return of peace and stability.
ESTRADA CALLS OUT STREAMING PLATFORMS FOR VULGAR CONTENT
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada recently gave a speech on a serious issue affecting many Filipinos today— the rise of vulgar and pornographic content […]
102ND INFANTRY BRIGADE RECEIVES AWARD FROM NTF-ELCAC
From the rugged mountains of Basilan to the heart of the Marawi Siege, Brigadier General Elmer B. Suderio’s leadership has been instrumental in the battle against insurgency and terrorism.
GUSTO NI MANONG JOHNNY HAPPY KA
On November 26, 2024, the Senate of the Philippines paid tribute to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, honoring his immense contributions to the nation and his enduring presence in public service.
SOUTH KOREA’S AI LEADERSHIP
During a recent international learning program in South Korea, a delegation of officials from the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives, including myself, attended a […]
PMA ALUMNI CONTENDERS IN 2025 MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Many individuals have confidence in former military officers as public officials due to their strong leadership skills and extensive experience. They have worked not only in the military but also with civilians and other government agencies. Many of them have also earned master’s or doctorate degrees, which helps them handle both military and civilian issues.
SENATOR PADILLA’S URGENT PLEA FOR REPATRIATION OF OFWS FROM LEBANON
On August 7, 2024, Senator Robinhood Padilla made an urgent appeal for the swift repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Lebanon during a privilege speech in the Senate. His call followed the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
The Legacy of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide
On October 12, 2024, the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW) will celebrate its 46th anniversary. Starting as a small Bible study group with just 15 students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in the 1970s, JILCW has grown into a global church that has touched millions of lives, both in the Philippines and around the world.
A Candid Conversation with Angge and Duds Yulo
Spending time with Angelica “Angge” Yulo and Mark “Duds” Yulo, parents of Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, gave me new insights into the challenges the family currently faces.
GCash’s Fast Global Money Transfer
In May 2024, GCash, in collaboration with the Senate of the Philippines, conducted a cybersecurity workshop for Senate employees.
HILTON VERSUS MARRIOTT HOTELS
My family recently had the pleasure of staying at two of the world’s topmost hotels, the renowned Hilton and Marriott Hotels, for a total of four days, courtesy of my dear family friend, Zenaida Gutierrez.
SENATORS PAY TRIBUTE TO FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT ZUBIRI
In a recent display of camaraderie, senators came together to acknowledge the impactful leadership of former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.
Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park Expansion
Senator Cynthia Villar is pushing for an expansion of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), a move discussed among eleven bills in a recent Senate session. These bills focus on designating ten areas as protected zones and expanding one area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS).
