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THREE SANDIGANBAYAN DIVISIONS TO HEAR ZALDY CO CASES By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano THREE separate divisions of the Sandiganbayan will handle the criminal cases filed against resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and Sunwest Corporation directors, the anti-graft body disclosed through its website yesterday. This was decided through a special
raffle conducted to decide which Sandiganbayan divisions would be tasked to handle specific cases. The raffling off of cases was held one day after the Ombudsman’s office filed corruption and malversation of public funds charges against the respondents. In particular, the charges filed against Co and the others pertained to an alleged anomalous P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. Next page
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 278 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Bersamin denies quitting
Former ES says he was forced out, was the last to be told By Charles Dantes
F
ORMER Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin yesterday denied reports that he had voluntarily resigned, insisting instead that he was told to vacate his post. “I just read that I resigned out of delicadeza. It sounds nice to say ‘out of delicadeza.’ But that isn’t true; I didn’t resign,” Bersamin said, disputing the Presidential Communications Office’s account of his exit. The Palace has not responded to Bersamin’s statements as of press time. Bersamin said a good friend called and informed him that he was to leave his position, which he accepted, noting that he serves “at the pleasure of the President” and no reason was required. Next page
Antipolo bishop troubled by Imee’s diatribe vs. PBBM By Pot Chavez and Katrina Manubay ANTIPOLO City Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, D.D. on Wednesday called for “deeper moral reflection” following Senator Imee Marcos’ public tirade against her brother President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Next page
TRYOUT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. tries to lift a barbell at the newly renovated strength and conditioning gym during the reopening of the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City on Wednesday. Cheering the President are his son Vini, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion and other officials. PCO
Redone sports arena an investment in character dev’t—Marcos PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the relaunch of newly renovated facilities at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, calling the upgraded training environment a “key investment in developing athletes and strengthening national character through sports.”
The refurbished complex, featuring modernized athlete dormitories, a relocated National Sports Museum, a redesigned dining hall, and improved sports offices, marks the most extensive upgrade of the area since its renovation for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The initiative, undertaken by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) with support from the Office of the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, came as the Philippines prepared to host several major international sports events. Next page
Municipal leaders remain solid behind President’s leadership By Joel E. Zurbano THE League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) on Wednesday issued a manifesto expressing its support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration and his vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas.” The LMP, representing the grassroots level of government, characterizes the prevailing political disturbances and internal conflicts as “unnecessary distractions” that hinder progress and detract from the pressing need for effective public service. This declaration highlights the LMP’s commitment to maintaining focus on essential governance rather than engaging in divisive political debate.
HONORS. The Senate holds a necrological service for the late Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday at the
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Senate Session Hall. At the ceremonies were his daughter, Katrina, and past and present members of the Senate led by Senate President Tito Sotto. See story on A2. Lino Santos
Comelec asks Marcoleta to explain SOCE By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will require Senator Rodante Marcoleta to explain his alleged failure to disclose several campaign donors in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures
(SOCE) for the 2025 midterm elections, Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia said Wednesday. Garcia said the poll body will issue a show-cause order next week to seek clarification on discrepancies between Next page
PH Navy, Japan join US carrier group in WPS maritime exercise By Rex Espiritu THE Philippine Navy takes part, for the first time, in military drills with a US Navy carrier strike group (CSG)
during a multilateral maritime exercise held in the West Philippine Sea. According to Rear Adm. Roy Next page
AHTISA WEARS ‘FESTIJADA’.
Ahtisa Manalo, the country’s Ms. Universe bet, brought to the stage a hand-embroidered traje de mestiza ensemble done by Filipino designer Mak Tumang for the National Custome competition. Inspired by the popular festivals of the Philippines, the ‘Festejada’ combined the imageries of the Great Lantern Festival of Pampanga, Pahiyas of Lucban, Quezon, and Panagbenga in Baguio. Ahtisa Manalo’s FB page