PH Politics | Page 16 of 79

Lacson flags ‘cover-up’ risk as Palace calls budget insertion reports unverified

LAWIN.newsDecember 26, 20250104 views

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday warned Malacañang against quickly dismissing as hearsay allegations that Cabinet officials inserted projects into the proposed national budget, as the Senate continues its deliberations on the government spending bill. Lacson said he received information from credible sources, shared the details with fellow senators, and sought further verification before naming officials allegedly involved. He vowed to present his findings in plenary debates, push for the removal of unjustified items, and coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit.

Cabral’s antidepressant use confirmed; forensics set to examine office and devices

LAWIN.newsDecember 25, 20250111 views

Philippine authorities report that former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral tested positive for an antidepressant drug as they investigate her death in Baguio City. Police detail CCTV footage, forensic findings consistent with a fall along Kennon Road, and the clearance of her driver from involvement. Investigators analyze her cellphone, hotel-room evidence, and DPWH office files turned over to the Ombudsman, including documents tied to infrastructure projects and budget requests over the past decade.

DOH issues advisory on usual holiday illnesses

LAWIN.newsDecember 25, 2025097 views

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned the public to avoid overeating, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption during the Christmas holidays after recording an increase in holiday-related ailments. The agency reported more cases of hypertension, high blood sugar, and stomach problems, and it urged people with chronic conditions to exercise caution. Government hospitals and local health units remain on heightened alert for lifestyle-related emergencies as the DOH issues reminders on healthier food choices, responsible drinking, and smoke-free celebrations.

AFP warns public about deepfake clips of Chief Brawner

LAWIN.newsDecember 25, 20250112 views

The Armed Forces of the Philippines warns the public about a YouTube channel allegedly posting AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. The military urges citizens to verify online content, report suspicious accounts and rely on official AFP platforms for authentic messages. Authorities monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to address the spread of deceptive digital content targeting military leadership.

Holiday advice from Marcos: Respond to weight jokes with ‘ikaw din’

LAWIN.newsDecember 24, 2025086 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Dec. 23, told attendees at a Malacañang holiday gathering in Manila that if relatives call them fat during Christmas reunions, they should reply “ikaw din.”

Marcos to approve 2026 budget on Jan. 5

LAWIN.newsDecember 24, 20250101 views

Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign the Philippines’ 2026 national budget on Jan. 5, 2026, resulting in a five-day period under a re-enacted budget at the start of the year. The government will operate using the previous year’s appropriations from Jan. 1 to Jan. 5, 2026, until the new General Appropriations Act takes effect. Executive officials stated that agencies can fund ongoing programs during this period but cannot start new projects that depend on the 2026 budget.

DOJ: Contractor Sally Santos remits P20M tied to flood control projects

LAWIN.newsDecember 23, 2025096 views

The DOJ said its officials received the funds from Santos in coordination with concerned government agencies that oversee infrastructure and public works projects.

Marcos adviser rejects ‘terror spot’ tag after Bondi tragedy

LAWIN.newsDecember 22, 20250117 views

Philippine Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday rejected reports branding Mindanao a “terror hotspot” in connection with the Bondi, Australia tragedy, saying intelligence did not support claims of terrorist training in the region. Citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Galvez said the Philippines had dismantled terrorist networks and advanced the Bangsamoro peace process, which he credited for transforming Mindanao. He urged international media to avoid unverified reporting that could stigmatize communities and undermine peace gains.

Cabral files reveal each congressman holds minimum P150M in budget insertions, says Leviste

LAWIN.newsDecember 22, 2025098 views

Rep. Leandro Leviste of Batangas’ 1st District said on December 22 that each district and party-list representative receives at least P150 million annually in budget insertions under the Department of Public Works and Highways, citing documents associated with former Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral. Leviste said the records show that lawmakers direct these DPWH allocations to projects in their constituencies and that the pattern persists across budget cycles. His statement comes amid continuing scrutiny of how Congress structures and labels infrastructure funds in the national budget.

Contractor Sally Santos turns over P15 million allegedly from flood control projects

LAWIN.newsDecember 22, 20250113 views

The Department of Justice in the Philippines reported new fund recoveries from contractor Sally Santos and former DPWH officials Gerard Opulencia and Henry Alcantara in connection with alleged ghost and anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan and the National Capital Region. Santos turned over P15 million under a restitution deal, while Opulencia and Alcantara surrendered P40 million and P71.38 million, respectively, as part of larger commitments tied to DOJ memorandums of agreement and provisional admission to the Witness Protection Program.