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6 bones likely human remains Remulla: Search for ‘sabungeros’ in Taal Lake could take 6 months By Vince Lopez and Pot Chavez
O
F THE 91 bone samples recovered from search operations in Taal Lake for the missing “sabungeros,” six were most likely human remains based on their shape and structure, the Philippine National Police said. The human bones recovered from Taal Lake could be from one person, the PNP said.
Lt. Col. Edmar dela Torre, officer in charge of the PNP DNA Laboratory Division, the six bones are candidates Next page
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 151 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
2026 PROPOSED BUDGET OKAYED. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened the cabinet yesterday to finalize and approve the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for fiscal year 2026. PCO
Marcos approves P6.79-t budget proposal for 2026 By Charles Dantes and Darwin Amojelar PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026, the Palace said yesterday, noting that the spending plan
prioritizes both economic growth and improving the quality of life of Filipinos. In a Cabinet meeting held Tuesday morning in Malacañang, President Marcos underscored that the proposed budget is not only designed to drive economic growth, but to uplift the lives of current
and future generations of Filipinos. Education remains a top priority in the budget, alongside programs aimed at addressing poverty, enhancing healthcare, and creating sustainable jobs, the Palace said. Next page
Public’s trust President studying total online gambling ban in PBBM, House climbs—SWS By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is currently reviewing growing calls to implement a total ban on online gambling in the Philippines, according
By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
economy and the public. We cannot rush into it. Sometimes, banning legal and licensed online gaming sites results in a rise in illegal platforms, which could affect the economy even more,” Next page
Palace blasts ‘fake news’ linking FL to Tantoco death
MALACANANG on Tuesday welcomed an improvement in President Marcos’ trust rating, crediting his administration’s sustained initiatives to deliver on its mandates despite persistent political attacks. The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey also indicated that public trust in the House of Representatives has climbed to unprecedented levels, marking a strong finish for the legislators under the leadership of reelected Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker of the previous 19th Congress. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration believes the Next page
to Malacañang Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President is carefully weighing the potential economic and social effects of such a move. “Decisions like this are thoroughly studied to assess their impact on the
By Charles Dantes
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
Sofronio Vasquez
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday rejected claims linking First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the recent death of Paolo Tantoco, denying reports that he was part of her official entourage and denouncing what it called “fake news” being weaponized for political gain. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said allegations tying the First Lady to Tantoco’s cocaine overdose case are politically motivated and rooted in disinformation. “It’s heartbreaking that private individuals who are grieving are being dragged into politics,” Castro said in a Palace briefing. “Obstructionists are using this incident to discredit the First Next page
The Voice US champ to sing anthem at SONA SOFRONIO Vasquez, the first Filipino to win “The Voice US”, will sing the Philippine national anthem at President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, Malacañang an-
nounced yesterday. “Selecting Vasquez, a multiawarded singer known for his powerful renditions of patriotic and classical pieces, ref lects the administration’s intent to blend tradition and excellence in this
year’s SONA ceremony. His participation is seen as a tribute to Filipino talent and national pride,” the Palace said in a Presidential Communications Office news release. Next page
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro
Gibo angry over smear campaign By Rex Espiritu DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday condemned what he described as a “smear campaign” following a misleading report that surfaced this week on the Maltese passport he once owned. This was despite official records Next page
DOJ WANTS DE LIMA ACQUITTAL REVERSED NEWS / A2