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REMULLA HITS HOUSE SEC-GEN’S ‘STONEWALLING’ IN SALN RELEASE Mitsubishi call on PBBM a vote of confidence
By Pot Chavez
By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday met with Mitsubishi Corp. President and Global CEO Katsuya Nakanishi at Malacañang, highlighting the Japanese conglomerate’s continued investment engagement with the government amid sustained foreign investor confidence in the country. The meeting formed part of Mitsubishi’s coordination with the administration to advance investments aimed at generating more jobs for Filipinos, the Palace said in a statement. Discussions also focused on accelerating the completion of more reliable subway and railway systems, expanding clean wind energy projects in the provinces, and strengthening digital services to make daily transactions more efficient.
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 352 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026 •
OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla said he will protest the manner by which the House Secretary General has been giving his team a hard time in getting the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of lawmakers being investigated for their alleged involvement in questionable flood control projects. “Lately, our team is having a hard time getting the SALNs of congressmen Next page
‘Simultaneous impeach cases could hurt PH’
Law expert flags impact on succession, economy, legislative work
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By Maricel V. Cruz, Charles Dantes and Katrina Manubay OR the first time in the country’s history, the two highest officials – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte – are facing two fresh impeachment complaints each before the House of Representatives.
F
SIGN OF CONFIDENCE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. obliges with a photo with a group led by Mr. Katuya Nakanishi, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, during a courtesy call in Malacañang. Also in photo are Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA), chairman of Ayala Corporation, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, and Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque. Revoli Cortez
“This is the first time this has happened and this will really have an impact on our country. The first impact will be on succession. If they are both removed, the Senate President will be the successor,” former law dean Mel Sta. Maria said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel. “There is also an impact on the economy – every time there is an impeachment, our investors become uneasy. They go on a waiting Next page
Flood control mess: ‘A conspiracy of gov’t officials’ By Pot Chavez OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday described the country's flood control mess as a “conspiracy among government officials.” Meanwhile, the National Bureau
of Investigation (NBI) clarified that was no red notice yet issued against former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co. Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines' (FOCAP) forum, Remulla
noted that the flood control scandal involved congressmen, senators, as well as officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
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China embassy acting like ‘child throwing tantrums’ By Ram Superable SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Monday said the Chinese embassy was acting “like a child throwing tantrums” and “disturbingly similar to paid media trolls” in its word war with Philippine officials. Hontiveros made the observa-
tion in her remarks at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines as the Senate resumed sessions for 2026 amid escalating diplomatic squabble between Manila and Beijing. Hontiveros said recent statements from the Chinese embassy in Manila Next page
WELCOMING THE HORSE. An all-out celebration of art and tradition takes
center stage at SM City Santa Rosa as the breathtaking “Galloping into Prosperity” Chinese New Year centerpiece transforms the mall into a vibrant cultural spectacle. Featuring towering cherry blossom trees, illuminated art boxes, festive lanterns, and striking horse sculptures symbolizing strength, progress, and abundance, the installation marks the 53rd Painting Exhibit of Chan Lim, Family of Artists and Students, welcoming the Year of the Horse with color, creativity, and auspicious beginnings. The exhibit is open until March 1, 2026.
FL Liza’s presence in China embassy event is ‘personal’ By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG on Monday said First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ appearance at a concert by worldrenowned classical pianist Lang Lang attended by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan does not reflect government policy and should not be linked to diplomatic decisions, amid renewed calls by some lawmakers to declare the envoy persona non grata. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the First Lady’s participation in public events is not a statement of foreign policy and does not alter the administration’s diplomatic stance. "Kung dumalo man ang ating Unang Ginang sa mga public consular events, hindi po ito nag-rereflect ng policy direction at hindi po ito na-li-link sa anumang diplomatic matters," Castro said during a Palace briefing. Next page
DOUBLE WHAMMY. Two groups calling for the impeachment of Vice
President Sara Duterte filed their impeachment complaints yesterday with the Office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives. Upper photo shows the Makabayan Bloc solons endorsing the first impeachment complaint, while lower photo shows the group that filed the second complaint endorsed by the Akbayan and ML partylist solons. Makabayan/ Akbayan partylist FB
PH economy to bounce back—Go By VC Galvez THE Philippine economy will bounce back this year with growth of at least 5% from last year's 4.4%, supported by robust fundamentals and a solid performance in its key revenue sectors, Finance Secretary Frederick Go said yesterday.
He told a forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) that growth in the first half of 2025 was at 5.6% but slowed down due to a corruption scandal that cut public spending and negatively affected consumer and investor confidence. Next page