manilastandard.net
@ManilaStandardPH
@mnlstandardph
@manilastandard
@ManilaStandardYT
Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net • 09173382170 / 85646229
‘Loren to head Senate by 2028’
Term-sharing joke now concrete plan for 1st female Senate chief By Ram Superable
W
HAT started out as a joke among the majority bloc is now turning into a concrete plan to have Senator Loren Legarda installed as the first female Senate President, but only after the 2027 budget is approved or before her term ends in 2028.
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 356 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Legarda, however, said she has not had such a discussion with Senate President Tito Sotto, who survived an attempt to boot him out as leader of the Upper Chamber this week. “We have not discussed it yet, and don’t worry, I will raise your question with him,” Legarda told reporters. But Zubiri said Legarda was present during the discussion at the Senate lounge that was also attended by Sotto, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson, and Senators JV
‘Blue Ribbon draft report likely caused Senate coup attempt’
Next page
PBBM says PH making headway in telecom sector
By Ram Superable and Joel E. Zurbano
By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday highlighted key reforms and infrastructure gains in the telecommunications sector, saying expanded connectivity is central to improving access to education, government services, and economic opportunities nationwide. Speaking at the Philippine Telecommunications Summit 2026 in Pasay, the President said his administration remains committed to ensuring that every Filipino has access to reliable and affordable digital connectivity, which he described as “a right, a necessity, and a lifeline.” He noted that the telecommunications sector was valued at
ROBOTIC ENCOUNTER. In his first engagement outside the Palace since he fell ill last
January 21, a delighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. shakes hands with a Conby humanoid as a Conby robot dog dutifully stays beside its master. The encounter happened yesterday during the Philippine Telecom Summit at Newport Dome in Pasay City. Revoli Cortez
A PENDING Blue Ribbon Committee report reportedly recommending the filing of criminal and administrative charges against lawmakers – including three incumbent senators – in connection with anomalous flood control projects may have triggered the attempt to change the Senate leadership, Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson on Thursday said. “We have reason to suspect that it also originated there,” Lacson said. “Some of our colleagues in the majority also had vulnerabilities if it appealed to their emotions,” he added. Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and Francis Escudero are among those named in a leaked copy of the draft report, along with former Senator Bong Revilla and former representatives Zaldy Co and Mitch Cajayon-Uy. He said discussions with Senate President Tito Sotto III pointed to a perception that the leadership might not shield members from fallout. Next page
Next page
Sandro dismisses coup talk against Speaker Bojie Dy By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos on Wednesday dismissed reports of a leadership shakeup at the House of Representatives, saying he is not aware of any coup moves to unseat Speaker Fausti-
no Dy III. “I don’t know of any coup in Congress at any point in time. As far as I’m concerned, everyone is confident and happy with the leadership of Speaker Bojie,” Marcos told reporters. “(Dy) has been steering the House through his own quiet brand of leaderNext page
Impeach raps vs. VP Sara still pending at House Sec-Gen By Maricel V. Cruz
80TH ANNIVERSARY. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Y. Robert Ewing and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez lead the launch of the official logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City. Story on A2. Norman Cruz
Palace denies Frasco ouster as Cabinet revamp talk sizzles By Charles Dantes MALACANANG on Thursday denied rumors that Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was on the way out, to be
replaced by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Next page
DILG eyes two northern pols in illegal cigarette manufacture By Vince Lopez DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juan-
ito Victor Remulla on Thursday, February 5, said law enforcement authorities are investigating two politicians from Next page
THE House of Representatives’ secretary general was supposed to immediately refer to the Office of the Speaker the impeachment
SURGING ALEX EALA RANKS WORLD NO. 38 SPORTS / A8
complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, but has not done so as of yesterday (Thursday). The secretary general has three session days to refer the impeachment complaint to the Speaker’s Office. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. AnNext page Photo by Ryan B. Lim