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GENDER TALK. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, joined by Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, engages in a cordial discussion with women lawmakers on their respective legislative concerns and personal advocacies during a consultation meeting initiated by Pangasinan 4th District Representative Gina ‘Manay’ de Venecia. Ver Noveno
Amid ouster talk, Speaker retains support among House leaders By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez still has the support of the supermajority coalition in the lower chamber, according to his chief communications officer and former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers. “The trust and confidence of House Members in the leadership of Speaker Romualdez remain unshaken,” said Barbers amid rumors of a leadership change at the House of Representatives.
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 214 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
Palace: Keep AFP out of politics, destab bid
Protests okay; power grab attempt illegal By Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu and Vince Lopez
The House on Tuesday suspended its session a few minutes after it was resumed at 3 p.m. as there are no other agenda in the Order of Business except for referral of bills filed to respective committees. Barbers earlier stated that party leaders are committed to the supermajority coalition, especially since the House under Romualdez’s leadership during the 19th Congress was one of the most productive versions of the chamber. “The truth is clear: all party leaders Next page
CA freezes bank accounts, assets of 26 DPWH execs, contractors By Darwin Amojelar and Thony Rose Lesaca THE Court of Appeals has frozen 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies linked to 26 former and incumbent DPWH officials and personnel as well as private contractors under investigation for anomalous flood control projects, Anti-Money Laundering Council executive director Matthew David said. David said the CA granted yesterday the request for a freeze order from Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and the petition made by the AMLC. In a letter dated Sept. 12, Dizon asked the AMLC to file an ex-parte pe-
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This preemptive action is crucial to prevent the disposal of assets. – DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon tition with the CA for a freeze order on the bank accounts and assets of DPWH officials and private contractors. Dizon said the request was a direct response to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos to hold accountable Next page
Dizon, Magalong discover P180m anomaly in La Union
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ALACAÑANG on Tuesday admonished groups calling on the military and other uniformed personnel to withdraw support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying the Armed Forces must not be politicized.
By Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the military must not be used by certain groups for political gain or efforts to destabilize the government. “In this protest, let us not involve the military or uniformed personnel because this protest should come from the peo-
ple, and they (AFP) should not be used to cause destabilization,” she said. The military earlier cautioned the public against using soldiers and police officers for partisan agenda, affirming its commitment to upholding the Constitution and remaining loyal to the
DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon was appalled upon learning that a flood control project worth P180 million in Barangay Acao, Bauang, La Union was still incomplete despite being officially declared finished on March 16, 2025. Meanwhile, Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Legarda Le-
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AWARDEE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the recognition and awarding of Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations’ (GOCCs’) in a ceremony during GOCCs Day at Malacañan Palace. Photo shows the President handing over a certificate of recognition to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Chairperson and Governor is Dr. Eli M. Remolona, Jr. With the President is Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. PPA Pool
Marcos okays salary, health benefits for GOCC employees PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved new salary adjustments and medical benefits for employees of government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), recognizing their dedication to delivering essential services to Filipinos.
In his remarks during the 2025 GOCCs’ Day held in Malacañang, President Marcos said the reforms form part of his administration’s recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of the GOCC workforce. Next page
Palace welcomes Congress moves to strengthen ICI By Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez
ture (ICI), saying such measures would reinforce efforts to ensure accountability in government. In a Palace briefing, PresidenMALACAÑANG on Tuesday welcomed proposals in both chambers tial Communications Office Unof Congress to strengthen the Inde- dersecretary Claire Castro said the pendent Commission on InfrastrucNext page
SUPER SUBSTANDARD. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon was deeply disappointed during his tour of flood control projects yesterday in Barangay Acao, Bauang town, La Union when he found that the materials used in the said projects were ‘super substandard.’ Dizon was accompanied by Baguio City Mayor and Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Special Adviser Benjamin Magalong in compliance with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to continue checking DPWH projects that were supposed to be for proper flood mitigation measures in the said area. During the inspection, Secretary Dizon also found that the said project, which was reported as ‘completed’ in March, was not yet finished and was still under construction. DPWH FB
Sara defends budget; explains overseas trips BUDGET PRESENTATION.
Vice President Sara Duterte defends the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President before the House Committee on Appropriations on September 16, 2025. House Media Affairs
By Maricel Cruz VICE President Sara Duterte on Tuesday presented the proposed P902.895-million budget of her office based on the approved 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) at the House Committee on Appropriations, with lawmakers seeking explanation on her frequent trips abroad. For next year, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) requested P56-million for travel funds under its maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) on top of the P59.1-million listed as repNext page