Retards in the Government 471

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/20/isabela-city-govt-utility-worker-shot-dead

Another female member of the Toledo family who works at the Isabela City government in Basilan was shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem gunmen in Isabela City on Wednesday, May 20.

Carliecel Nuena, a utility worker and cousin of the late Karen Toledo Resurreccion who was shot last week, was gunned down while on her way to work in Barangay Sunrise.

Resurreccion was shot on Thursday, May 14, while she and her husband, Nelson, were on their way home on board a motorcycle in Barangay Lanote, Isabela City.

Days earlier, another relative, 60-year-old Gilberto Toledo, was killed in a gun attack while driving his motorcycle in Isabela City.

The attacks against the Toledo family have shaken their community and left the grieving and mourning.

Police said persons of interest have been identified. No arrests have been made as of posting time.

Another female member of the Toledo family who works at the Isabela City government in Basilan was shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem gunmen in Isabela City.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/20/village-councilor-gunned-down-by-son-in-law

A barangay kagawad was allegedly shot dead by his son-in-law inside his residence in Barangay Curuan here on Wednesday, May 20.

Police identified the victim as Warlito Sanson Salvador, 57.

Investigation disclosed that Salvador and a friend were having a drinking session at the victim’s house when his son-in-law, 36-year-old Alvin Bartolome Francisco, arrived and shot him at close range.

Francisco escaped before the arrival of family members and was arrested by police inside his home.

A spent .45 caliber shell was found in the area.

Police are looking at personal grudge as the motive behind the incident.

A barangay kagawad was allegedly shot dead by his son-in-law inside his residence in Barangay Curuan.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232087/2-cops-relieved-for-alleged-interference-in-missing-sabungeros-case

Two police officers were relieved from their posts for allegedly interfering in the case of the reported kidnappings of cockfighting aficionados (sabungeros).

The relieved officers—a police lieutenant and a police major—are accused of facilitating meetings between the complainants and the police officers implicated in the sabungeros case, who are detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

The police lieutenant and the police major were relieved from their posts on May 20, according to a special order from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and an incident report from the Headquarters Support Service.

An administrative case was lodged by the sabungeros case’s complainants against the two police officers before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Wednesday.

The complainants identified the police lieutenant as HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang and the police major as PNP Custodial Center chief Maj. Reynaldo Pañebe Jr.

Malang has yet to respond to the Inquirer’s request for a statement, while Pañebe was not immediately reachable for comment.

The complainants also alleged that they were contacted by gambling tycoon Atong Ang’s camp, purportedly encouraging them to speak with the police officers detained at the PNP Custodial Center.

Several of the original complainants in the sabungeros case had withdrawn after supposedly beginning to receive P40,000 every month, according to the complainants.

Ang is wanted over kidnapping charges in connection with the reported kidnapping and killing of at least 34 sabungeros who allegedly cheated in his games between 2021 and 2022.

Two police officers were relieved from their posts for allegedly interfering in the case of the reported kidnappings of cockfighting aficionados.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/730095/2-mandaue-traffic-enforcers-suspended-for-violating-traffic-rules

Two traffic enforcers in Mandaue City have been suspended after being caught violating traffic rules. 

Hyll Retuya, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM), said the agency acted on the recent videos circulating on social media showing personnel committing violations.

Retuya said the agency did not rely on hearsay alone and would only take action when there was concrete evidence proving the violations.

One of the incidents involved an enforcer allegedly crossing through a no-right-turn area using the gutter. Another involved an officer seen holding onto a jeepney while in uniform.

Retuya said both personnel underwent due process and admitted their actions before TEAM’s legal office. 

He said the penalties imposed depended on the gravity of the offense.

He confirmed that some personnel were suspended without pay, including the enforcer seen holding onto the jeepney, who received a one-day suspension without pay.

Retuya explained that the enforcer had already finished his duty and was commuting home from his assigned area in Subangdaku when he was seen clinging to a jeepney.

He said the officer reportedly gave up his seat inside the jeepney to accommodate a female passenger, forcing him to hang outside the vehicle.

Despite the explanation, Retuya said the agency still imposed disciplinary action.

“With a heavy heart, he got suspended,” Retuya said.

(I have warned them. We should be the ones implementing the law, so we should not be the first ones to violate the laws that we are implementing.)

(We warned them that once they violate they have to face the consequence depending on the gravity of the offense.)

Retuya said the TEAM maintains regular lectures and orientations for traffic enforcers, especially those directly dealing with traffic violators. 

He said another round of training is scheduled in June for field personnel.

Two traffic enforcers in Mandaue City have been suspended after being caught violating traffic rules. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232220/ex-mayor-now-biliran-board-member-convicted-of-malversation

Incumbent Biliran 2nd District Board Member Lorenzo Alcala Reveldez Jr. has been convicted by a court in Naval, Biliran, for malversation of public property stemming from official acts during his term as mayor of Culaba town.

In a decision dated May 19, 2026, the Regional Trial Court Branch 37 found Reveldez guilty of violating Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 10951.

Court records showed that Reveldez unlawfully appropriated government-owned property in 2020 while serving as mayor of Culaba. The properties involved included a sound system and accessories valued at P922,500.

The court ruled that prosecutors established his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Reveldez was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term of two years, four months, and one day of prision correccional as minimum, to seven years and four months of prision mayor as maximum.

The court also ordered him to pay a fine amounting to P922,500, equivalent to the value of the missing public property.

The decision was signed by Presiding Judge Constantino Esper.

The Inquirer sought comment from Reveldez through his social media account, but had yet to receive a response as of posting time.

However, in a social media post that appeared to allude to his situation, Reveldez wrote: “I am still alive and kicking!!! No worries!!! God is good all the time.”

Reveldez served multiple terms as mayor of Culaba until 2022. 

In the 2025 elections, he won a seat in the Biliran Provincial Board representing the province’s second district.

Incumbent Biliran 2nd District Board Member Lorenzo Alcala Reveldez Jr. has been convicted by a court in Naval, Biliran, for malversation of public property stemming from official acts during his term as mayor of Culaba town.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232313/patrolman-nabbed-for-drawing-gun-at-vendor-parking-attendant-in-manila

A patrolman was arrested for allegedly drawing his gun at a vendor and a parking attendant in Manila, the police said on Thursday.

In a statement, the MPD said it had arrested the suspect after both victims reported the incident to the police after it had taken place in front of a bar at the corner of Moret and Loyola Streets in Sampaloc last Tuesday.

“The suspect, allegedly without provocation, drew a firearm and pointed it at the first victim, a local vendor,” the city police explained.

“Shortly thereafter, the suspect confronted a second victim, a parking attendant, regarding a missing motorcycle helmet that had allegedly been left in the area the previous night,” it added.

“When alias ‘Ali’ (the parking attendant) stated that he had no knowledge of its whereabouts, the suspect allegedly followed him, drew his firearm and threatened him at gunpoint, causing alias ‘Ali’ to flee the scene,” the MPD further explained.

It noted that the suspect was also arrested last Tuesday but did not say where.

The MPD also said the suspect was assigned to the Southern Police District, but it did not further identify him nor the victims.

However, the police did detail that authorities recovered a 9mm pistol with 13 rounds of ammunition from the suspect.

He was brought to the Barbosa Police Station for proper disposition, awaiting cases for two counts of grave threats.

“The Manila Police District reiterates that it does not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of authority, or unlawful behavior within its jurisdiction,” the police stressed.

A patrolman was arrested for allegedly drawing his gun at a vendor and a parking attendant in Manila.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232678/isabela-vice-mayor-faces-raps-at-nbi-over-seditious-remarks-on-socmed

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Friday filed criminal and administrative complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio, of Reina Mercedes town in Isabela, over his alleged “seditious statements” posted on social media.

CICC Executive Director Usec. Aboy Paraiso, along with Presidential Communications Office Usec. Precious Hipolito-Castelo, led the submission of the agency’s complaint affidavit before the NBI.

In a press conference at the NBI headquarters, Paraiso said the complaints being considered against Respicio include inciting sedition, inciting rebellion, and unlawful means of publication.

The CICC official noted that the complaints have nothing to do with “freedom of speech” but concern creating a threshold when the statements are already “seditious.”

Meanwhile, NBI Director Melvin Matibag mentioned a sample of Paraiso’s post, where the vice mayor stated that revolution is the answer if the Constitution is not in effect.

Matibag said the NBI will issue a subpoena for Respicio to get his side on the complaints amid the conduct of a case buildup and would eventually recommend the case to the Department of Justice.

“All our rights come with corresponding responsibilities,” Matibag said.

Respicio won the vice mayoral race in Reina Mercedes in the 2025 midterm elections.

His proclamation was initially suspended on May 13, 2025 by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) due to a pending disqualification case filed by the commission itself over videos he allegedly posted on Facebook claiming he could manipulate the results of the upcoming elections through a supposed “backroom program” capable of altering vote counts.

Meanwhile, the suspension was lifted in June 2025 after the Comelec clarified that there were no discrepancies or mismatches in election results found.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center filed criminal and administrative complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation against Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio, of Reina Mercedes town in Isabela, over his alleged “seditious statements” posted on social media.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/21/ex-caloocan-mayor-files-raps-vs-asistio-others-over-alleged-p792-m-ghost-infra-projects

Former Caloocan City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo on Thursday, May 21, filed corruption charges before the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) against Caloocan Third District Rep. Dean Asistio, a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer, and six private contractors over alleged “ghost” and anomalous infrastructure projects worth P79.2 million.

In a statement, Malonzo said documents and site inspections uncovered an alleged pattern of corruption involving road, drainage, flood control, and building projects across the district that supposedly received full government funding despite allegedly lacking physical or standard compliance on the ground.

He said the respondents were charged with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019), malversation of public funds, and falsification of public documents over alleged fabricated accomplishments, manipulated photos, and gross overpricing.

Malonzo alleged that the questioned projects involved supposed irregularities in road, drainage, flood control, and building projects in several barangays, including allegations of nonexistent structures, manipulated or unrelated project photos, misrepresentation of completed works, location discrepancies, and alleged overpricing.

According to Malonzo, private contractor executives charged alongside Rep. Asistio and Engineer Ruel Umali include Fermerindo Angelo D. Besabe (DSA Prime Builders Corp.), Florita P. Villanueva (Diadema Construction), Dan Rupert O. Cham (Pheames Community Construction), Romanito R. Juatco (Framecon Builders), Mark Allan V. Arevalo (Wawao Builders), and Roland Radcliffe Imperio (5-I Construction Corp.), whom the complaint identified as alleged co-conspirators.

Malonzo said Asistio’s alleged accountability in the questioned projects was evident because of the congressman’s public endorsement and association with the infrastructure works, describing the lawmaker as already “compromised.”

“He has already been explicitly named and repeatedly implicated by vital witnesses in several major, ongoing congressional investigations. This Ombudsman complaint solidifies what legislative inquiries have begun to unearth,” he stated.

Malonzo said that despite being out of City Hall for more than two decades, he still considered it his duty to protect the interests of Caloocan residents, claiming that the city remained plagued by poverty and lack of progress due to what he described as deeply entrenched corruption.

“We are bringing them before the Ombudsman to ensure they finally answer to the law,” Malonzo added.

The Manila Bulletin reached out to Asistio through his verified Facebook page for comment on the allegations, but he has yet to respond as of posting time. As for the other respondents, the Manila Bulletin remains open to publishing their side on the matter.

Former Caloocan City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo filed corruption charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Caloocan Third District Rep. Dean Asistio, a Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer, and six private contractors over alleged “ghost” and anomalous infrastructure projects worth P79.2 million.

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/5/23/village-councilor-arrested-over-illegal-drugs-in-oriental-mindoro-1647

Authorities arrested a village councilor who is classified as a high-value individual during an anti-illegal drug operation in Sitio Duluhan, Barangay Calsapa in San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro.

According to the MIMAROPA Regional Police Office, the 38-year-old barangay official was among the identified high-value drug personalities in the province.

The operation was carried out by joint operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 4B, the San Teodoro Municipal Drug Enforcement Team, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-MIMAROPA.

Authorities seized suspected shabu worth ₱23,800 from the suspect.

A barangay official has been arrested for drugs. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/05/24/2530067/manila-councilor-indicted-safe-spaces-act-violation

The Manila city prosecutor’s office has ordered the filing of three counts of violation of the Safe Spaces Act against Councilor Ryan Ponce for the alleged harassment of his colleague, Eunice Castro.

In a nine-page resolution, the city prosecutor ruled that there is enough evidence to support the filing of charges against Ponce over three incidents between August and September last year.

Castro complained that Ponce sent sexually suggestive text messages and touched her inappropriately in some instances last year.

She cited a text message sent on Aug. 18, 2025 that read: “Good morning, sexy. I was watching out for your hair and dress.”

Another message, allegedly sent on Sept. 18, 2025, read: “Psst sexy, are you off to work? Good. I really miss seeing someone sexy. Good morninggggg sexy.” and “Let me see your good morning face and sleepwear so it would really be a good morning.”

In a privilege speech in October, Castro said Ponce once poked her hand, instead of a proper handshake, and made a gesture to invite her to have sex with him.

“It should be noted that the respondent, a married man, directed said messages containing sexual undertones toward the complainant, a single woman. These messages were of a sexual nature and unwelcome,” the resolution read in part.

The city prosecutor noted that Castro suffered humiliation and distress because of Ponce’s actions.

Castro welcomed the decision, saying she was emotional when she received it.

“Thank you so much to those who believed. This is not just my fight, this is also the fight of all women,” Castro said in Filipino.

Ponce said he respects the prosecutor’s decision and refused to comment further.

He thanked the office for dismissing the acts of lasciviousness charge, which the prosecutor found to lack evidence.

The Manila city council imposed a 60-day suspension on Ponce for the allegations raised by Castro against him on Oct. 16.

The Manila city prosecutor’s office has ordered the filing of three counts of violation of the Safe Spaces Act against Councilor Ryan Ponce for the alleged harassment of his colleague, Eunice Castro.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2234002/cop-village-chair-among-4-killed-in-isabela-shooting

Police have launched dragnet operations to track down the suspects behind the fatal shooting of four people, including a village chief and a police officer, in Barangay San Rafael Abajo, Santo Tomas, Isabela, on Sunday evening.

Police Col. Manuel Bringas, Isabela police director, identified the fatalities as Barangay Colonguan chair Jimmy Paeste Jr., Police Corporal Frederick Bautista of the Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station, Marlo Joaquin Baui, and an unidentified man.

The attack also led to the wounding of four people: Police Master Sgt. Jayson Acierto of Barangay Aggub in Cabagan town; Margie Bautista, 37, of Barangay San Rafael Abajo; Julian Arcilla of Centro 1; and Juliana Arcilla of Barangay Bagabag, all in Santo Tomas.

Initial police investigation showed the victims were having dinner at Bautista’s house during the village fiesta in San Rafael Abajo when unidentified armed men suddenly arrived and opened fire at their table, hitting several people.

Bautista and Paeste died on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. The other victims were rushed to the Milagros Albano District Hospital in Cabagan town for treatment, but two were later declared dead.

Bringas said police immediately set up checkpoints to arrest the suspects.

A flash alarm was also sent to nearby police stations to implement high-risk checkpoints, while forensic personnel processed the crime scene.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack and the identities of the gunmen.

Four people including a village chief and a police officer were assassinated while eating dinner. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/25/village-dad-shot-dead-in-zamboanga-sibugay

A barangay councilor was shot dead in Barangay San Jose, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay on Monday morning, May 25.

Police identified the victim as Edison Magdamit, councilor of Barangay Gandiangan, Imelda.

Magdamit was driving his motorcycle on the highway when another motorcycle with two men appeared. The back rider drew a gun and shot Magdamit.

Magdamit died on the spot. The suspects fled.

Police are conducting manhunt operations and follow-up investigation.

Another barangay councilor has been assassinated.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Impeachment Trial, Lea Salonga, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

What does the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have to do with the pandemic? Let's read this article to find out.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232081/erwin-tulfo-says-sara-dutertes-impeachment-trial-may-start-on-july-6

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to start in July, according to Sen. Erwin Tulfo.

“There was already a schedule given yesterday (when) SP (Senate President Alan Peter) Cayetano called a caucus of all members. The impeachment trial will begin on July 6,” Tulfo said in a television interview on Thursday.

“Every Monday, we’ll have a session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 2 o’clock to sawa [continuously] on Mondays, that’s the impeachment trial. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, the same thing–starting at 3 o’clock in the afternoon until evening. And then Thursdays, we will have hearings, committee hearings,” he added.

Tulfo also said that many senators in the minority bloc do not agree to the proposal of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to allow Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to participate in the impeachment trial virtually or through teleconferencing for now.

“Many of us, we in the minority, will not agree to that. He has to be physically present,” he said.

“That was allowed during the pandemic. The rules were allowed because … there were lockdowns. Now, everything is okay, so his presence is needed in the Senate,” Tulfo added.

Marcoleta earlier moved to amend the Senate rules to “allow a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference, video conference, or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means, using appropriate information and communications technology.”

His manifestation remains pending before the Senate committee on rules where it was referred.

Some Senators want to bring back pandemic rules to allow fugitive-from-justice Senator Bato to participate in the trial. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/manila/cbcp-to-dioceses-hold-pandemic-like-bayanihan-activities

AS THE Middle East conflict continues to rage, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on religious institutions on Thursday, May 21, 2026, to consider holding activities to manifest their solidarity with those in need, the poor, and vulnerable sectors.

In a pastoral statement, CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said such "bayanihan" acts were already seen during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic some years back.

"Show concrete expressions of Christian solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of society, who suffer most from the economic hardships brought about by this global conflict, especially to families whose loved ones live or work in areas affected by conflict and instability," said Garcera. 

"Let us strengthen parish-based feeding programs, community pantries, emergency relief efforts, and charitable initiatives for individuals and families burdened by inflation, economic uncertainty, and hardships, following the spirit of compassion and generosity witnessed during the pandemic," he added.

Similarly, the CBCP chief said all dioceses and parishes in the country are being asked to offer prayers for peace.

Garcera appealed to all religious and lay communities to pray for peace not only in the Middle East but also in other conflict-hit areas.

"Pray for peace, celebrate the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, pray the Holy Rosary, and gather in family and community prayer for the gift of peace in the Middle East, in Ukraine, across Africa, and in all parts of the world wounded by war, violence, division, injustice, and human suffering," said Garcera. 

"In this time of crisis, we call upon all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, schools, and lay organizations to offer spiritual accompaniment, counseling, practical assistance, and spaces where fear and anxiety can encounter hope, solidarity, and prayer," he added.

The archbishop said such actions are necessary as Filipinos are also affected directly by the Middle East conflict through the overseas Filipino workers there.

"Although distant from our shores, the Middle East crisis is not remote from Filipino lives. Many of our brothers and sisters work in the region as overseas Filipino workers. Their safety, livelihoods, and futures now weigh heavily on their families at home," he said.

In the same way, Garcera said Filipinos at home are also indirectly affected via rising fuel costs, higher prices for goods, transportation burdens.

"Those who suffer first are the vulnerable: daily wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, the elderly, and families with little savings. Thus, what happens overseas affects the Filipino home, the Filipino table, and the Filipino heart," added Garcera.

It's a wonder these programs were not preserved and strengthened but vanished once the pandemic ended. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines implemented the BFIRST Project under the 4Ps program to support low-income households and modernize social protection systems, disbursing nearly all of its $600 million loan while achieving strong performance and digital reforms. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/21/philippines-seeks-partial-cancellation-of-nearly-235-million-world-bank-4ps-loan-amid-lower-poverty-rate

The Philippine government has asked the World Bank to restructure and partially cancel over $2.34 million in unused proceeds from a Duterte-era loan supporting the country’s flagship Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), even as the Washington-based multilateral lender cited the project’s “strong performance” and satisfactory implementation.

According to a World Bank restructuring paper disclosed last May 20, the Department of Finance (DOF) requested the cancellation of unwithdrawn funds from the $600-million Beneficiary FIRST Social Protection (BFIRST) Project after determining that the remaining balance—stemming from foreign exchange (forex) differentials—would no longer be needed.

The acronym “FIRST” stands for “fast, innovative, and responsive service transformation” of the originally targeted 4.4 million 4Ps household beneficiaries.

The World Bank noted that the BFIRST Project, approved in September 2020 and implemented since January 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic during the Duterte administration, was designed to cushion the impact of the health crisis on low-income households while modernizing the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) social protection systems.

The loan, which closes on June 30, 2026, following an earlier one-year extension, has been almost fully utilized, with $597.66 million or 99.61 percent already disbursed to date.

To recall, Manila Bulletin reported in 2024 that the World Bank, in November that year, extended the validity of this 4Ps loan beyond the original end-June 2025 deadline after the DOF, under then finance secretary Ralph G. Recto, requested more time to implement the poverty-alleviation project.

Unlike other World Bank restructuring exercises tied to delayed or troubled projects in the Philippines, the lender said the BFIRST Project “demonstrated strong performance in its implementation,” with most performance-based conditions and result indicators fully achieved.

The latest implementation report last March rated both the project’s progress toward achieving its development objective and its overall implementation as “satisfactory.”

The World Bank described 4Ps as the “backbone of safety nets” serving poor and vulnerable households nationwide. As of March this year, 4Ps covered 2.86 million active household beneficiaries with 6.74 million eligible children across 82 provinces, 149 cities, 1,493 municipalities, and 41,582 barangays.

Of the total active 4Ps beneficiaries, 86 percent or 2.46 million were female grantees, while indigenous households accounted for 354,385 beneficiaries or 12 percent of total active 4Ps households.

The lender also pointed to the near-universal adoption of digital payment systems under 4Ps, with almost all beneficiaries now receiving transfers through transaction accounts.

Under the restructuring request, the DSWD likewise asked the World Bank to revise the BFIRST Project’s results framework to reflect the government’s decision to reduce the target number of 4Ps beneficiaries following the decline in poverty incidence across the country.

The latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) poverty data estimated 3.86 million poor families nationwide, prompting the DSWD to recalibrate the annual target coverage for 4Ps beneficiaries to 3.5 million households beginning this year from the previous target of 4.4 million households.

Between 2008 and 2025, the government said 4Ps helped 1.61 million households achieve self-sufficiency, excluding those that exited the program through natural attrition, according to the World Bank.

The restructuring paper noted that 4Ps exceeded its annual targets in both 2021 and 2022.

According to the World Bank, the BFIRST Project also financed several digital reforms within the DSWD, including the integration of the national ID system or PhilSys into 4Ps verification processes, development of an integrated grievance information system, expansion of digital payment mechanisms, as well as creation of a dynamic social registry with a unified database.

The World Bank likewise noted that BFIRST remained fully compliant with legal, environmental, and social safeguard requirements despite some procurement delays affecting a number of remaining contracts.

Once the restructuring is approved, the project is expected to fully disburse the remaining loan amount before its scheduled closing in mid-2026.

The government has now requested the World Bank to restructure the project and cancel unused funds due to reduced poverty and lower beneficiary targets, reflecting a recalibration of social assistance in the post-pandemic context.

Lea Salonga says BTS saved her mental health during the pandemic. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/5/22/lea-salonga-recalls-how-bts-saved-her-mental-health-during-the-pandemic-1120

Broadway star Lea Salonga shared how South Korean boy group BTS helped her navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent podcast interview, the actress recalled how she got to know the K-Pop group back in 2020 when they released their hit song, "Dynamite."

Lea has been a proud member of ARMY as she continues to share BTS content on her social media accounts.

“2020. COVID, and everybody’s stuck at home. I don’t know, I was just going through quite a bit in my life. The isolation and even though my friends and I were making an effort to stay in touch with each other and watching my kid navigate that kind of isolation from friends. That’s a big ask of somebody that young and impressionable and vulnerable,” she recalled.

She shared how there was just “a lot” going on in her life at the point of the pandemic and in August of 2020, "Dynamite" just appeared out of nowhere for her–– marking the start of her being a fan of the seven-member Korean boy group. 

“I’m watching YouTube, as most everybody does to try and get through the day, and I’m like what is this? What is this on my social media? I watched the video and the minute I saw V in that bottle green Gucci waistcoat and flared trousers, like pushing his hair back, I’m like–– and I’m done, this is it,” she expressed.

Lea recalled how she would go down the “rabbit hole” of videos, concerts, and all other BTS-related content during the pandemic. She credited BTS for helping her “pull out” from the things that she was going through at the time. 

“It just pulled me out of this sad, not quite hopeless, but this sad state of affairs that my brain found itself in. I’m like, I’m gonna live here in a minute because I don’t know when this pandemic is gonna end, but I’m gonna open YouTube or open the internet every day, and I’m gonna watch what these guys are doing,” she added.

As an artist herself, the singer-actress expressed how much respect she has for BTS as she could see the sincerity in all of them.

“I have such great respect for them as songwriters, as performers, as musicians, just as artists, and discovering who writes so much of their material. Just how they relate to one another and how they are with their fans,” she said.

“I’m like there is something very genuine. K-Pop has this reputation of being so manufactured, but there is something sincere and real and it seems that these guys have such integrity,” she ended.

Lea admitted that she only follows BTS in K-Pop.

“They had me in a chokehold and I’m still here,” she ended. 

Well, the do say music is good for the soul. 

A Chinese steel factory is set to being building in June. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/25/chinese-steel-giant-panhua-to-launch-1-billion-sarangani-facility-in-june

China-based steel manufacturing giant Panhua Group Co. Ltd. will begin operations at its $1-billion facility in Sarangani province next month as part of its multi-billion investment commitment to the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the Chinese firm’s long-awaited integrated steel facility is now ready to begin commercial operations in June through the project’s first phase.

For phase one, Panhua Group will manufacture metal sheets at its facility, generating more than 4,000 direct jobs in the process.

The $1-billion manufacturing plant covers only a third of the company’s plan to invest as much as $3.5 billion in the Philippines’ steel industry.

“They’re very bullish in the Philippines,” Roque said.

Panhua Group first announced plans to invest in the country in 2018, but development lagged largely due to delays during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roque said the company’s confidence in the country is so strong that Panhua Group, one of China’s largest thin steel producers, is also interested in exploring tea manufacturing in the Philippines.

This plan was conveyed to Roque during her recent visit to Suzhou, China, where she also held meetings with other Chinese companies that have expressed interest in expanding in the Philippines.

Among these companies are NWOW Technology and Shanghai Launch, which are involved in the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).

Roque said she also met with snack food maker Liwayway China, which sells products in the country under the Oishi brand, as the company plans to develop a coconut manufacturing plant that would produce goods for export to China and other markets.

The DTI chief added that she held talks with premium tea beverage brand Chagee, which already has an extensive presence in international markets, including the Philippines.

While there are no planned investment deals yet, Roque said these companies are serious about their expansion plans to meet growing demand for their products, positioning the Philippines as a key manufacturing hub.

This plant was announced back in 2018 but the pandemic caused delays. Now it's ready to start. 

Hi, My Name is...71

Punch isn't just a tasty drink. A punch is a way to show anger and confusion. It is also a way to kill someone. Let's take a look at a few people who threw punches for various reasons. Say hello to these One Punch Man Pinoys. 

Hi, my name is Bryan Tarucan. I barged into a wake and began punching the crucifix above the coffin. Then I punched the glass coffin and repeatedly punched the corpse before I was restrained. Before I barged into the wake I punched two of my children and some of my in-laws. My brother apologized for me.   

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/516905/man-in-barrio-luz-cebu-goes-amok-in-wake-punches-casket

 A commotion erupted in what started out as a peaceful and ordinary wake in Cebu City after a man suddenly went amok and even punched a dead woman inside her casket last Monday, July 17, 2023.

Police arrested a 41-year-old construction worker, identified as Bryan Tarucan, after being accused of wreaking havoc in a wake held in Sitio San Roque, Barrio Luz.

It happened past 10 p.m. on Monday, the Mabolo Police Station reported, which several bystanders recorded through their smartphones.

Based on findings from the police, Tarucan suddenly appeared in the wake of a certain Alecia Hernando. He then proceeded to punch the Crucifix hanging above Hernando’s coffin before smashing the glass of her coffin.

The suspect also reportedly punched Hernando in the face, police added.

The families of both Tarucan and Hernando were still in disbelief over the incident.

In an interview with Cebu-based radio station, dyHP, Alex Hernando, one of Alecia’s sons, said they reprimanded the suspect after he broke the coffin’s glass.

However, Tarucan allegedly fought back which, in turn, prompted other family members and visitors to restrain him.

Alex said the family will file charges against Tarucan, who is currently detained at Mabolo Police Station, if it meant to serve him a lesson.

On the other hand, Rex Tarucan, the suspect’s brother, apologized to the Hernandos on behalf of their family.

Rex, in a separate interview, said they hoped the Hernandos will not proceed with filing the cases, adding that his brother may have been going through something difficult.

The family were also in shock upon learning what happened to Bryan, and that they never considered him as a violent man, he added.

In the meantime, police continue to investigate the incident.

They are, for example, verifying reports that Bryan had reportedly been using illegal drugs, and was under the influence of alcohol when he barged into Alecia’s wake.

Police will also look into information alleging that prior to the incident, the suspect apparently punched two of his three children and some in-laws before running away and into the sitio chapel, where the wake was held.

Hi, my name is Gina Gidacan.  A few weeks ago, my husband Juanito and I had a disagreement with Marvin Hugo, who punched Juanito during an argument. That incident stayed with us, and last Sunday evening, I felt I needed to take action.

That night, inside our workplace in Barangay Maricaban, I confronted Marvin. I was angry and upset, so I grabbed a 17-inch bolo to defend myself and Juanito. I hacked at Marvin, hitting him on the head and arm, while Juanito also struck him with a piece of wood. He was rushed to the hospital and we were charged with frustrated homicide. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/536897/santa-fe-revenge-attack-wife-with-bolo-hacks-wounds-man-who-punched-her-husband

A 47-year-old woman, allegedly seeking vengeance against a 31-year-old man who punched her 53-year-old husband a month ago, hacked and wounded the man using a 17-inch bolo.

Her husband, who also joined the fray, also hit the man several times with a piece of wood.

The attack happened on the evening of Sunday, October 29, inside a batching plant in Barangay Maricaban, Santa Fe town in northern Cebu.

The couple, who were identified by authorities as Gina Gidacan and her husband, Juanito Gidacan, who are both from Barangay Maricaban, were both arrested after the attack.  

The victim, Marvin Hugo, who is from Barangay Tugas, Madridejos town in northern Cebu, was rushed to the hospital where he was admitted and treated of the hack wound on his head and arm, and for bruises on his body.

The couple and their victim are also workers of the batching plant. 

Gina, being in-charge of the store inside the batching plant, Juanito, a watchman, while their victim, Hugo was a truck boy.

According to Police Staff Sergeant (SSG) Richie Gapo of the Santa Fe Police Station, that the Gidacan couple allegedly attacked and wounded Hugo at 9:35 p.m. last Saturday evening.

Gapo said that the couple allegedly wanted payback against Hugo, who allegedly punched Juanito Gidacan, the husband, about three weeks ago after they (Juanito and Hugo) got into an argument that led to Hugo punching Juanito.

“Duna ni silay previous grudge ba, mga tulo na ka semana ang nilabay. Kaning atong victim karon, kani si Marvin, nakasukmag ni ngadto ni suspect No. 1, kani si Juanito,” Police SSG Gapo said.

(They have a previous grudge, [which was caused by an incident] about three weeks ago. Our victim now, Marvin, punched suspect No. 1, Juanito.)

When asked what started the argument that led to the punching, Gapo said that it started over talk that would make one angry.

“Kuwan lagi kanang pasingit-singit nga istorya. Kanang mga ingon ana god,” he said.

(This was over just talk that would make one angry. Things like that.)

Gapo said that three weeks after that happened or last Saturday at past 9 p.m., the couple confronted Hugo, allegedly with revenge on their mind.

The wife, Gina, was armed with a 17-inch bolo, while her husband, Juanito, had with him a piece of wood, when they attacked the victim, Hugo.

Gina allegedly hacked Hugo, hitting him on the head and right arm, while Juanito allegedly hit Hugo with the piece of wood several times on the head and body as well.

Gapo said that the victim was rushed to the Bantayan District Hospital in Bantayan town in northern Cebu where he was admitted and treated of his hack wounds and bruises.

The couple were later arrested by policemen, who were under the supervision of Police Captain Noah Añana, acting police chief of the Santa Fe Police Station.

Police also recovered the 17-inch bolo used in the attack from the suspects.

The victim told police that he would press charges against the couple.

“Mokiha siya kay dako-dako gyod og damage niya,” said Gapo.

(He will file a case because the damage he incurred was really big.)

Gapo said that frustrated homicide charges were being readied against the couple.

The police officer said that the couple would undergo inquest proceedings on Tuesday, October 31 yet, because Monday, October 30 was a holiday.

The couple was also detained at the Santa Fe Police Station detention cell as they await the filing of charges against them.

Hi, my name is Wilson. My next door neighbor invited his brother-in-law for a drinking spree.  However, he did not want to participate. So he punched him! This resulted in a commotion which woke me up. SO, of course I pulled out a knife and chased them around stabbing the brother-in-law repeatedly until he was dead. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/13/farmer-punched-stabbed-dead-by-in-law-neighbor

A 34-year-old farmer was punched and stabbed to death by his brother-in-law and neighbor in Barangay Tamisian, this municipality, on Sunday afternoon, November 12.

Police identified the victim as Rogelio Cueno.

Noriel, 34, a farmer and the victim’s brother-in-law, invited Cueno to a drinking spree at the house of their neighbor.

Cueno refused, irritating the suspect who punched the victim, resulting in a commotion that roused the other suspect, Wilson, 39, also a farmer, from sleep.

Wilson chased the victim with a knife and stabbed him repeatedly in the body.

Suspects fled and took the knife along with them and the victim was taken by his wife to the hospital where he was declared dead.

Police said the victim and the suspects had a personal grudge and they are now the subject of a manhunt.

Suspects face homicide charges, police said.

Hi, my name is unnamed suspect. I saw a pretty woman just minding her business so I elbowed her in the eye. Later I saw another pretty woman take off and clean her glasses so I punched her in the nose. 20 minutes after that I saw a pretty woman jogging so I punched her in the eye as well. I hate pretty women because they are so fake!

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/578117/cebu-city-man-punches-3-women-because-theyre-pretty

A 37-year-old man was mauled by bystanders after he suddenly punched at least three women on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

When asked why he attacked the victims, the suspect allegedly told police said that he attacked them because “he doesn’t like pretty women because they are fake.”

On Sunday, around 6:35 p.m., a 33-year-old victim was just walking on her way home along D. Jakosalem Street when the suspect passed.

Suddenly, the suspect allegedly elbowed the victim, hitting her on the left eye.

The victim said that she was traumatized by the incident and was crying while narrating what happened.

"I hope he's in jail.. (Traumatized) actually when I leave the house I'm nervous, I don't go out unless the car is there to take...To be honest when I meet men I'm really scared", the first victim said. 

At around 6:40 p.m., alias Macy, 20, also complained after the suspect allegedly punched her on the nose along Fuente Osmeña road.

In an interview with DYSS Super Radyo GMA, Macy said she had just disembarked from a modern jeepney and was headed for home.

When she removed her eyeglasses to clean it, the suspect suddenly appeared and without provocation, punched her hitting her on the nose.

"We are really determined to file a case because no one deserves to experience something like this, especially if you like to walk around, I really like to walk around school. I used to walk sometimes because it was relaxing, but now I don't want to be looked at," the second victim said.

Macy posted the incident on social media which went viral.

She said that instead of her getting congratulated after passing the NCIII Bookkeeping of TESDA, she is now receiving “get well soon” messages due to the incident.

Meanwhile, at around 7:00  p.m., or 20 minutes since the attack on Macy, the third victim, a 22-year-old female, also complained that she was also punched by the suspect as she and her friend just finished jogging at the Fuente Osmeña Circle.

After exercising, the victim said that she crossed the street and when she reached the parking area of a maternity hospital, the suspect suddenly appeared and punched her, hitting her on the left eye.

"I was dumbfounded, if I didn't have a friend, my teacher would serve me on the floor because even if I fell down, he would balance me with his hand and my friend's eyes on the floor because we will see justice from you and who is it", the third victim said in an interview with DYSS Super Radyo GMA.

The three victims said they are determined to file charges against the suspect as they don’t want other people to be victimized by the latter and experience the trauma that they went through.

According to Police Major Mark Don Alfred Leanza, chief of Police Station 2 of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the suspect was apprehended by Patrolman Jurdine Franco and Patrolman Johncelle Francisco in B. Rodriguez.

"Actually we have already responded because victim no. 1 is with us and then our policemen who are in the AOR which is a very highly populated area are not able to take care of the call from the Police Station. When you called and responded immediately to our troops that is why we got the suspect right away through the help of the citizens in the area where they were held," Leanza said.

The suspect was positively identified by the victims

The police are now preparing charges of multiple serious physical injuries against the man punches women.

Hi, my name is Tico. In the middle of a drinking spree between Freddie Marasigan and his friends I suddenly showed up. We began arguing and I punched him in the jaw. He slumped down and died as I ran off. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/6/man-punched-dead-in-batangas

A man was punched dead during a drinking session in Barangay Laurel, this town, before dawn on Friday, September 6.

Police identified the victim as Freddie Marasigan.

The victim was having a drinking spree with his friends Dieto Ortil, Aaron Pol Cabral, and Demetrio Silang when the drunken suspect, Tico, arrived.

A heated argument erupted between the victim and the suspect.

The suspect suddenly punched the victim in the right jaw and slumped on the ground.

The suspect fled and the victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Police are conducting a manhunt operation against the suspect.

Hi, my name is Nardo. On New Year's Eve a group of motorcyclists stopped in a waiting shed near my house and began revving their engines. I got so mad I ran out there and told them to knock it off and leave. However, one guy, Ben, decided to rev his engine on more time. So I swung at him. It was a miss. So, I swung again and connected. He slumped down dead.  

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/03/farmer-punched-by-neighbor-to-death-over-noisy-motorcycle

A 45-year-old farmer was allegedly punched by his neighbor to death during an altercation over a noisy motorcycle during New Year’s Eve in Barangay Maananteng, Solsona, Ilocos Norte.

Police Capt. Randy Damo, chief of police of Solsona, identified the victim as Ben.

Damo said the victim and his companions stopped in a waiting shed on their way home to rev their motorcycles.

The noise disturbed the suspect, Nardo, 55, who came out of his house, approached the group, and asked them to leave.

The group moved away but the victim revved his motorcycle again, angering the suspect.

The suspect punched the victim but missed. He attempted again and connected, and the victim slumped to the ground and lost consciousness.

The victim was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Nardo was apprehended.

Damo said authorities are awaiting the results of the medico-legal examination that will serve as the basis if homicide or murder charges will be filed against the suspect. 

Hi, my name is Mangalos Bahinting. I was at a birthday party for the nephew of my friend Marvin Alburo Malinis. I got really drunk and began throwing bottles and acting foolish. That prompted my freinds to leave so I confronted them. First I punched my friend Niño Bagon in the face. Then I punched Malinis so hard he fell off his motorcycle and onto the pavement where he began convulsing. He later died at the hospital. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/19/man-punched-to-death-by-friend-in-bogo-city

What started as merrymaking to celebrate a birthday ended in tragedy when trouble broke out in a drinking session in Bogo City, northern Cebu on Wednesday night, March 17.

Marvin Alburo Malinis, 21, died after he was punched by his friend, who got rowdy after getting drunk, police said.

The suspect, Bryan Mangalos Bahinting, 20, was arrested after the incident, said Police Lt. Col. Alan Rosario, chief of the Bogo City Police Station.

Rosario said the victim and the suspect were with a group of men having a drinking session as part of the birthday party of Malinis’ nephew in Barangay Nailon. Bahinting got drunk, became rowdy, and started throwing bottles. 

Malinis and some of his friends decided to go home because of Bahinting’s drunken behavior. Malinis and his friend were about to leave on a motorcycle when Bahinting confronted them. 

Police said Bahinting first assaulted Niño Bagon by punching him in the face. Not content, the suspect also confronted Malinis.

The trouble escalated when Bahinting punched Malinis in the face. The blow threw Malinis off his motorcycle and hit his head on the concrete pavement.

The victim landed hard on the ground that he was seen convulsing. He was taken to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo then moved to a hospital in Cebu City for further treatment. The victim died while being treated.

With the death of the victim, Rosario said the complaint filed against the suspect was upgraded from attempted homicide to homicide.

Hi, my name is Taguro. I was having a drinking session with my younger brother Ian. We had some music blasting and I decided to fiddle with the speaker. That enraged Ian who stabbed me with screwdriver. Of course I got angry and repeatedly punched him until he lost consciousness and began foaming at the mouth. He died of course. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/25/man-punched-to-death-by-elder-brother-in-laguna

A 26-year-old man was punched to death by his elder brother during an altercation in Barangay Lewin here on Friday morning, April 24.

Police identified the victim as Ian.

Investigation said the victim and the suspect Taguro, 46, were having a drinking session when Taguro adjusted a speaker that irritated and enraged the victim.

Ian picked up a screwdriver and stabbed his brother in the body. Taguro retaliated by punching the victim multiple times until he slumped to the ground and sustained a swelling on the head.

The suspect stopped attacking after Ian lost consciousness and his mouth foaming. Ian was declared dead by the Rural Health Unit.

Police arrested Taguro and detained at the Lumban police station for proper disposition. Relatives of the victim refused an autopsy on his body. Taguro faces appropriate cases.

Hi, my name is Gerry Pantonial Gonzales. I boarded a modern jeepeney and for no apparent reason punched a woman, Lufemia Pacuri Filipino, in the face. A police car passed by and they were alerted which resulted in my immediate arrest. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584650/man-arrested-for-punching-a-lady-modern-jeep-conductor-in-naga-city

A man was arrested for punching a lady conductor of a modern jeepney on the National Highway in Barangay South Poblacion, City of Naga on Sunday evening, July 14, 2024.

The suspect was identified as Gerry Pantonial Gonzales, a 44-year-old, a construction worker and resident of Marakas, Barangay Lahug in Cebu City.

Meanwhile, the victim was identified as Lufemia Pacuri Filipino, of legal age and a resident of Sitio Kamansi, Barangay Quiot Pardo, Cebu City.

According to Naga Police Station’s investigation, the modern jeepney was parked there waiting for passengers.

The suspect boarded the vehicle and unexpectedly punched the victim in the face for no apparent reason.

The victim immediately sought help from the driver. Luckily, a police car passed by during a mobile patrol in the area.

The driver of the modern jeepney approached the police which resulted in the immediate arrest of the suspect.

The suspect was temporarily detained at the Naga Police Station, pending the filing of charges of slight physical injury against the suspect.