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SENATE STANDOFF
Cayetano-led majority continues with boycott
Plenary, priority bills, confirmation of 5 generals in limbo By Ram Superable, Joel E. Zurbano and Charles Dantes
T
HE majority bloc led by Senate President Alan Cayetano continued with its “boycott” for a second consecutive day, leaving in limbo the Senate plenary days before Congress goes on recess this week.
Blue Ribbon panel withdraws invite to 18 'ex-soldiers' By Maricel V. Cruz SENATE Blue Ribbon chairperson Senator Pia Cayetano withdrew the invitation to 18 individuals said to be former soldiers to attend the June 4 resumption of the hearing on anomalous flood control projects, their lawyer Levito Baligod said. Baligod shared a screenshot of the letter from the Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management on Facebook which read: "Please be informed that upon the directive of the Chairperson Senator Pia S. Cayetano, the said invitations are hereby withdrawn.” Cayetano has yet to issue a statement on the withdrawal of the invitation. Next page
20 DEATHS IN BUILDING COLLAPSE VOL. XL • NO. 109 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026 •
NEWS / A3
With no resolution in sight to the Senate standoff, also left hanging were crucial bills as well as the confirmation of five generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Malacañang said ongoing tensions in the Senate could jeopardize the passage of several priority measures before Congress adjourns sine die on Friday, warning that the effects could extend beyond legislation and impact the broader economy. Next page
House expels Barzaga; NBI seeks probe By Maricel V. Cruz IN ONE of the most consequential disciplinary actions in recent congressional history, the House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 265-14, with eight abstentions, to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga after adopting the recommendation of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found him guilty of disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker, and violations of the House Code of Conduct. Next page
Sara: Gov’t stifling dissent; Palace: Probe vs. corrupt
A DIVIDED HOUSE. Empty chairs at the majority side of the session hall and filled seats on the minority side was the scene yesterday at the Senate mirroring that current political divide in the upper chamber. FB of Sen. Risa Hontiveros
PBBM, VP Sara show support for Brigada Eskwela By Charles Dantes, Katrina Manubay PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inspected prep-
arations for the upcoming school year in Navotas City, highlighting government efforts to improve school safety, learning facilities, and literacy programs as classes are set to resume later this month.
Speaking during a visit to Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Barangay Kaunlaran under the annual Brigada Eskwela campaign, Mr. Marcos said the government is working to ensure Next page
By Katrina Manubay, Charles Dantes VICE President Sara Duterte on Tuesday warned that democratic institutions are being weaponized against political opponents, but Malacañang, however, rejected Duterte’s allegations of political persecution, maintaining that government investigations are being conducted in accordance with the law. In a video statement, Duterte said recent developments should alarm all Filipinos who believe in democracy, regardless of political affiliation. Next page
THE CARING EAGLE
TEACHING THEM YOUNG. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte did their own Brigada Eskwela sorties yesterday to support the cleanliness campaign aimed at preparing schools for the start of classes. PCO/OVP
Sandigan postpones arraignment of Jinggoy and Bonoan By Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez THE Sandiganbayan postponed the arraignment and pre-trial proceedings of Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan. The anti-graft court reset the arraignment to Thursday, June 4, after the respondents raised legal motions and medical concerns. The hearing had been scheduled before the Sandiganbayan's Second Division on Tuesday. The court earlier ordered their detention in connection with a non-bailable plunder case involving an alleged P573-million flood-control kickback scheme. Estrada's lawyers filed several motions, including an omnibus motion to Next page
AFP checking alleged China structure in Panatag Shoal By Rex Espiritu PHILIPPINE authorities are verifying reports that China may have installed a structure at Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal, in
the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The report emerged after maritime monitoring group SeaLight released Tuesday satellite images showing what it described as a small object located near the southern entrance of the Next page shoal’s lagoon.
Girlie the Eagle: Unlikely poster bird By Ratziel San Juan and Rio N. Araja GIRLIE is not a kid anymore. Practically all semblance of youth has escaped her, as she spends most of her time perched on her favorite branches. Moving less, staying longer.
When she's not resting or sleeping, the senior remembers to tend to herself. On especially hot days, Girlie descends to the ground to bathe and drink water to cool down. You might even catch her grooming and arranging her feathers. Next page
MYSTERY OBJECT. Photo posted by SeaLight taken from a commercial satellite imagery shows a reflective object measuring approximately 10 meters in diameter situated on the reef flat near the lagoon entrance of Scarborough (Bajo de Masinloc) shoal.