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More anomalies unearthed: Rigged bidding, botched infra By Dave Leprozo and Pot Chavez MORE anomalies involving flood-control projects have been uncovered
by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) – from rigged bidding processes of NEWS / A3
Dizon drops P252b LGU flood control funds
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 213 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 •
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Romualdez resigns; Dy is new Speaker No changes in House committee heads seen—Rep. Marcos By Maricel Cruz, Charles Dantes and Ram Superable
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EYTE Rep. Martin Romualdez resigned as House Speaker yesterday, saying he was leaving his post with a "clear conscience" so that the newly-established investigatory body could do its job without "undue influence." “Today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives,” said Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Romualdez leadership also requires confronting challenges head-on, citing the President’s SONA message that “accountability must prevail and that no one is above scrutiny.”
“I fully and unequivocally embrace that call,” he said. “The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows — on me, this House, and the President I have always sought to support.” Isabela Representative Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was formally elected as the new Speaker with a 253-4-28 (yes-no-abstain) vote. Next page
CHANGING OF THE GUARD. Speaker Martin Romualdez, top right photo, waves goodbye to members of the House of Representatives after his valedictory speech. At center photo, newlyinstalled House Speaker Faustino Dy III of Isabela addressing the chamber after taking his oath. Bottom left photo shows the chamber giving both House leaders a standing ovation following the turnover. Ver Noveno, House of Representatives screengrab
Metro transport strike rolls; Sept. 21 rallies on, rain or shine By Joel E. Zurbano, Rio N. Araja, and Vince Lopez ORGANIZED passenger bus employees and their supporters on Wednesday (Sept. 17) rolled their three-day protest against widespread government corruption, along with
LOYALTY TO THE REPUBLIC. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administers the oath to newly-promoted officers of the Armed Forces in ceremonies held yesterday at Malacanang Palace.
Comelec halts BARMM poll preps due to SC TRO By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended preparations for the October 13 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections due to a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is-
Palace to respect SC TRO on Sulu seats issue NEWS / A3
SC rules in Cusi, Matibag’s favor in PDP-Laban case By Pot Chavez THE Supreme Court (SC) announced on Wednesday its decision resolving the leadership dispute in Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) that has persisted since 2021. In a 25-page decision promulgated on July 8, 2025, the SC en banc rec-
ognized the group led by Alfonso Cusi and Melvin Matibag as the legitimate leaders of the political party. The case stemmed from a petition filed by former senators Aquilino ’’Koko’’ Pimentel III and Manny Pacquiao, who questioned the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) recognition of the Cusi-led faction. Next page
sued by the Supreme Court. But Comelec chair George Garcia clarified that the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will still
the core issues of rising fuel prices and the ongoing jeepney modernization program. This as tens of thousands of protesters are expected to overwhelm the Rizal Park in Manila and the People Power Monument along EDSA on Sept. 21 to commemorate the 53rd year of the declaration of Martial
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PBBM to new generals: Your loyalty is to the Constitution By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that their highest duty is to the Constitution and to the Filipino people. Speaking at the oath-taking cere-
mony in Malacañang Palace, Mr. Marcos urged the officers to anchor their service on integrity, discipline, and the rule of law. "Your loyalty must remain with the Constitution and the Filipino people," the President said. "Always act with integrity, uphold the rule of law, defend our democracy," he added. Next page
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‘Mirasol’ leaving today, another LPA on its way By Rio N. Araja TROPICAL depression ‘Mirasol’ is forecast to keep moving generally northwestward and may intensify further into a tropical storm until it exits Next page
ITS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR. With 99 days to go before
Christmas Day, a gigantic Christmas Ribbon is installed at the facade of the SM Mega Mall along EDSA in Mandaluyong City, heralding what is said to be the world’s longest Christmas season. Manny Palmero