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Zaldy Co insists on innocence, will not pay restitution
House defers vote on impeach raps’ sufficiency in substance
By Maricel V. Cruz and Pot Chavez FORMER Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co is prepared to return to the Philippines, but has ruled out restitution as an option, claiming he is innocent of the charges leveled against him.
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 353 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
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PBBM hands off on SALN release concerns, ICI future Wants to avoid ‘executive overreach’ on Congress rules
By Maricel Cruz and Charles Dantes THE House Committee on Justice on Tuesday postponed the voting on the sufficiency in substance of the two impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Afp reiterates non-partisan stance NEWS / A3
The panel’s chairperson, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, said the postponement was intended to allow exNext page
By Charles Dantes
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RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is taking a hands off stance on two issues -- the future of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the protest lodged by the Ombudsman over the slow release of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of lawmakers allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects.
Mr. Marcos will allow the ICI to decide whether to continue its operations or conclude its mandate, Malacañang said Tuesday. “The fate of the ICI rests on the decision of the ICI itself,” Palace Press Officer Claire said. She said the President would base any response on whatever decision the ICI formally makes, including whether it chooses to continue its work, seek additional support from the executive branch, or conclude its mandate. “Whatever decision the ICI arrives at, that is what the President will respond to. If they need help from the executive, it will be given. But their destiny and next actions are being left to the ICI itself,” Castro added. Castro said Malacañang has yet to receive a complete report from the ICI Next page
Sandro Marcos pushes for ‘no work, no pay’ for lawmakers
RIZAL EXHIBITION HALL. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. listens as National Museum officials, inset, explain the proposal to build a Rizal Exhibition Hall, main photo, within the National Museum Complex in Rizal Park, Manila. When completed, the Rizal Exhibition Hall will serve as a purpose-built exhibition hall that will expand the museum’s exhibition space and increase the National Museum Complex’s capacity to accommodate up to 5 million visitors per year, so that more Filipinos can benefit from the country’s arts, culture, and history. PCO
Word war on Chinese embassy issue spreads to both Houses THE word war between Chinese embassy officials and Philippine government authorities has spread to Congress with lawmakers clashing on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue. Two congressmen clashed during a House session on Monday after one accused the other of “protecting China” in his privilege speech.
WPS maritime drills in next two months NEWS / A3 This developed as the Senate also experienced a tense exchange of words between Senators Francis
Pangilinan and Rodante Marcoleta during interpellations on a resolution condemning recent statements by the Chinese embassy against Philippine officials and institutions. In his privilege speech, House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan called for discipline and professionalism among government officials when addressing
sensitive foreign policies, including the WPS controversy. Libanan did not mention Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela’s name in his privilege speech, but later confirmed that he was indeed referring to him. Following Libanan’s privilege speech, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District
PREPPING FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR. A dragon
PBBM, DOTr lay down plans to ease commuter woes
dance performance greet mall goers at The Block Atrium of SM North Edsa in Quezon City ,as the Chinese New Year celebration kicks off with the launch of the mall’s festive centerpiece yesterday, Manny Palmero
By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos has filed a bill seeking to impose a strict “no work, no pay” scheme for members of Congress to address absenteeism, strengthen accountability and protect public funds. House Bill (HB) 7432, titled the “No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act,” mandates that salaries and other emoluments of senators and representatives be directly tied to their attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings, and other Next page
Killings of lady cop, son solved By Vince Lopez
CASE CLOSED. Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla announces in a press conference the solving of the disappearance and killing of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her 8-year-old son, John Ysmael. With him is PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. at Camp Crame, Quezon City. DILG video screen grab
DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Tuesday said the murder of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, Ysmael, is considered “case closed” after the four suspects linked to the crime are now under police custody. Remulla said the primary suspects, a married couple consisting of a dismissed police officer and a car sales agent, planned to kill Mollenido from
Jonvic offers P1m reward for info on cop’s killer NEWS / A2
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By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday met with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to discuss measures aimed at easing the daily commute for Filipinos, including faster train services, shorter queues, additional trains, and extended operating hours. During the meeting at Malacañang Palace, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez briefed the President on recent improvements to the country’s railway system. President Marcos directed Lopez to prioritize commuter welfare, maintain clean and well-lit facilities, and ensure trains run reliably and on time. Next page
the start. They allegedly committed the crime when the victims went to their house to supposedly get the vehicle Mollenido intended and promised to buy. “This case is considered closed, and charges will be filed. This is a Next page
PH DEBT RISES TO P17.71T BUSINESS / B1