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VOL. XXXIX • NO. 138 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025
Ang, Barretto tagged in ‘sabungeros’ case
BTS LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM, READIES FOR WORLD TOUR SHOWBIZ / C2
DJOKOVIC THANKS MIRACLE PILLS FOR WIMBY VICTORY
PBBM orders thorough probe; Ang to sue ‘Totoy’
SPORTS / A7
By Pot Chavez, Joel Zurbano and Charles Dantes
F
ILIPINO gaming industry tycoon Atong Ang was tagged by whistleblower “Alyas Totoy” as one of three alleged masterminds in the case of over 100 missing “sabungeros.”
OUT IN THE OPEN. ‘Alias Totoy,’ the purported government witness in the disappearances of more than 100 sabungeros, came out of hiding to face media and name gambling tycoon Atong Ang and two other associates as the masterminds in the unsolved cases. He also linked celebrity actress Gretchen Baretto as being involved in the alleged conspiracy. GMA grab
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough and sustained investigation into the long-unsolved case of the missing sabungeros. “The President’s directive is to continue the thorough investigation to find out who is really involved and hold those responsible accountable,” Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro said in a briefing Wednesday.
In an exclusive interview with GMA News, “Alyas Totoy,” a suspect in the case who claimed the bodies of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts were thrown in Taal Lake, likewise named Gretchen Barretto as the female celebrity allegedly involved in the case.
Atong Ang Gretchen Barretto
By Ram Superable and Maricel Cruz
country’s territorial integrity. “But every Filipino, the true Filipino and those Filipinos who are pro-Philippines, they cannot be silenced and they cannot be prohibited from defending whatever rights we have in our country and our maritime rights,” she said.
THE Senate impeachment court cannot reconvene for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte until the House complies with two orders issued in June, its spokesperson Regie Tongol on Wednesday said. “If you look at the intent of the impeachment court, it wants this process to already roll. And the compliances, the certifications, will ensure that there is no more question or any legal impediment once the impeachment court convenes,” he said. On June 10, the Senate impeachment court ordered the Hoyse to certify that it did not violate the one year prohibition on impeachment proceedings against the same official and to issue a formal communication of intent to proceed.
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‘Alias Totoy’
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PH will not be silenced by China sanctions in defense of WPS rights By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said it respects China’s decision to bar former Senator Francis Tolentino from entering the country, but emphasized that no Filipino will be silenced in defending the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights.
Impeach trial can’t start without House certifications—Tongol
“Whatever reason China had for banning Senator Tolentino, it is their decision,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro during a Palace press briefing. While Castro did not speculate on Beijing’s reasons, she underscored that the move would not deter patriotic Filipinos from standing up for the
Gov’t prepared for impact of US tariffs on July 9—Palace By Charles Dantes THE Philippines is bracing for potential economic ripple effects from ongoing negotiations on the United States’ tariff policies, with Malacañang giving assurance that the Marcos administration is taking proactive steps to protect national interests. “Whatever happens here, the country needs to be ready,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing on Wednesday. She confirmed that Manila and
EXPANDING ACCESS.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the launch of P20 rice at the Zapote Public Market, marking the first time the low-cost rice is sold outside Kadiwa outlets. The program aims to widen access to affordable food and help ease the cost of daily living for consumers.
Washington are engaged in bilateral talks regarding the potential impacts of US tariff policy as the 90-day pause nears its July 9 expiration. While specific details of the discussions remain confidential, Castro emphasized that the administration is closely monitoring developments. “That’s why our President the and economic team are always studying matters regarding this,” Castro said in Filipino, noting that the Marcos administration has tasked its economic managers to prepare contingency plans. Next page
Sen. Risa files Cardinal David tells religious to cyberlibel raps stay focus on ministerial duties vs. video fakers By Vito Barcelo
By Ram Superable
CYBERLIBEL RAPS. Senator Risa Hontiveros files an official complaint yesterday before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against the personalities allegedly behind the viral video of former Senate witness Michael Maurilio.
SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday filed a formal complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against individuals behind a viral video featuring false claims by former Senate witness Michael Maurilio. “This is only the first step, and with the guidance of my legal team,
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THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on bishops, priests, and other members of the clergy to remain “steadfast and committed to their ministerial duties” in the face of challenges within the ranks of the religious. “Dear brother bishops, in our own ministry, there will always be regrets, conf licts, betrayals, disappointments — even within our own brotherhood...May these not turn our hearts to stone,” CBCP presi-
dent Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said in his homily during mass at the Tagbilaran Cathedral on July 1, the second day of the bishops’ annual retreat. The four-day retreat also served as a national consultation for synodal implementation, drawing dozens of participants including priests, consecrated individuals and laypeople from various dioceses. David emphasized the importance of perseverance and unity among the clergy during these Next page