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  Cartoon by Jascyl Jee Sayson.

Danniell Domingo The Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara seeks to send Filipino students abroad through scholarships to improve education quality and address concerns from recent findings that only top students have access to special science programs, during a OneNews interview on Oct. 24. Photo Courtesy of Philippine Star. Angara said that the government is working to respond to the latest findings of Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which bared that only 1.03% of the country’s “best and brightest” students are enrolled in special science programs or science high schools. “I think now the move is towards enhancing quality and tama yung EDCOM, we only have 1%. So we need to up our game,” Angara added. The education secretary stressed that the government has struggled so long with improving access to education that quality is overlooked. One solution that Angara aims to implement is sending talented students abroad with government support, citin...

Yahya Ibrahim Yusop How could a local animal flood the fame all over the internet – like for real? Though quite common to be featured, only this time around, an ‘extremely cute’ creature takes the entire platform for its undeniable and distinguishing characteristics. And that booms the Internet from an animal – a hippo.  Unlike other content creators out there who put hard work for an instant sensation, a local hippo could beat the record for just her and her adorable activities . It is different to see a hippo on screen, getting famous and people were lining up just to see her. . “Really? With a hippo?” That sounds unbelievable yet this absolutely says how cutesy the trend of this Thai pygmy hippopotamus, locally called “ Moo Deng .” This article will immerse you deep down the Moo Deng craze.  Meant to be a Star Just this September, a two-month old female pygmy hippo who was uniquely roaming, eating, and sleeping like other hippos and also had attributes such as a moisten com...

Daniela Adelaide Jaimeleen Sol Dizon After the severe onslaught caused by tropical storm ‘Kristine,’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday to make another assessment of the Bicol River Basin Development Program (BRBDP) as a flood control measure for the Bicol Region. Photo Courtesy of MSN/Inquirer.net. Heavy rainfall swamped the Bicol River, leading to flooding that eventually damaged infrastructure across the area.   During a meeting in Naga City, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan received an order from the president to resurface the BRBDP, a project that was stopped in 1986.  Marcos believes this is one of the most effective methods and a long-term strategy to combat flooding. “Next time it rains, (heto) na naman tayo. It would be the same situation all over again. So, we have to find a long-term solution. Pinag-aaralan ko ito and I found that in 1973 there was the Bicol River Basin Development Project,” Marc...

Gwyneth Perseveranda Plastic production has continuously posed environmental threats, with large amounts breaking down into tiny microplastics. Over time, these tiny particles can penetrate even newborn rodents, signifying the growing threat of plastic contamination to living organisms. In a Rutgers University-led study, researchers have detected the presence of micro- and nano plastics inside the organs of newborn rats. The research titled, “Identification of micro- and nanoplastic particles in postnatal sprague-dawley rat offspring after maternal inhalation exposure throughout gestation” revealed that aerosolized particles inhaled by pregnant rats were later found in the organs of their newborns, including lungs, liver, and the brain. "Nobody wants plastic in their liver," Phoebe Stapleton, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy said. "Now that we know it's there, as well as in other organs, the next ste...

Mary Sophia Angela Buenavidez Vice President Sara Duterte may be facing two impeachment grounds with graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust, due to her alleged misuse of confidential funds according to Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua. Photo Courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer. “Once proven or impeached, that’s the time for cases to be filed against the vice president”, said Chua. In a news release last Monday, the chairperson of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability told the press that the P16 million and P15 million budget used for safe houses and a youth summit as presented in the Office of Vice President’s accomplishment report respectively may be seen as a liability unless justified. The vice president may also be guilty of violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, and other high crimes, all grounds for possible impeachment. Duterte and her camp have yet to provide a statement amidst impeachment rumors. Earlier in the year, the P16 ...

Lawrence Christian Verzosa Home of ecosystem services, San Pablo’s seven lakes served as the lifeline of local communities and tourism in Laguna—bringing forth the beauty that was accidentally created by phreatomagmatic eruptions. Photo Courtesy of San Pablo City Association. Lakes Bunot, Calibato, Palakpakin, and Sampalok are used for fishery mainly for milkfish or tilapia, while Lakes Mojicap, Pandin, and Yambo are sites for ecotourism. As vital sources of income, these lakes eventually gave rise to human activities, demanding for up-scaled production and technology such as construction of fish pens. Consequently, these gifts of nature are in danger as their water quality deteriorates, according to the recent water assessment of the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). In a Saribuhay episode, UP Los Baños Assistant Prof...

Nureen Joy Mangaoang Former president Rodrigo Duterte has admitted full accountability for his administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on October 28, citing national security as the reason behind his controversial policies. Photo Courtesy of The Guardian/Noel Celis. “I alone take full legal responsibility for everything the police have done. I am the one who should be held accountable and imprisoned, not the police who followed my orders,” he articulated. Duterte affirmed his commitment to the police officers involved in his anti-narcotics endeavor, stating that he would take full responsibility for their actions in operations during his authority. "I did what I had to do because kailangan kong gawin. Why? To protect the people and my country,” Duterte remarked, citing his War on Drugs. The International Criminal Court is investigating Duterte's war on drugs for suspected crimes against humanity, with observers speculating a possible ...

Bea Allyson Alimangohan The Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara has emphasized the importance of developing policies for the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings in the University of the Philippines' (UP) ‘AI Horizons PH 2024’ Conference on Oct. 25. Photo Courtesy of Rappler. “We at DepEd are really studying the possibilities with AI. It really has many benefits both for teachers and students,” Angara stated in an ambush interview. In a previous conference, the ‘2024 Social Good Summit’ in De La Salle University on October 19, Angara also highlighted the power of technology, especially, AI in improving the education system in the country. “Technology is fast—becoming the fuel that powers our education,” Angara noted, emphasizing that technology will make lessons more relevant and entertaining for both teachers and students. DepEd collaborated with various innovative software companies, including Khan Academy, I AM The Code, and Canv...

Kimberly Capuyan Four Southeast Asian nations are sending air assets to the Philippines to support relief and aid operations in areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami), according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Photo Courtesy of ABS-CBN News. OCD Administrator and Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said on October 26 that Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have pledged to lend the Philippines C-130 aircraft and large choppers, among other air assets. Nepomuceno clarified that the Philippines has enough air assets, but will still welcome “any additional help” from other countries. “Any additional help is a sign of solidarity with our partners,” Nepomuceno said. Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) C-130 aircraft and Royal Malaysian Air Force Eurocopter EC725 transport helicopter arrived at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on October 26. The aircraft will provide airlift support to help the Philippine Air Force (PAF) deliver humanitarian aid su...

Bea Allyson Alimangohan Batangas News posted in their Facebook Page on Oct. 28, 2024 a weather warning for Batangas and Cavite, indicating that they will be hit by heavy rainfall due to the probability of rising Wind Signal No. 4 from Severe Tropical Storm Leon.   CLAIM: Batangas and Cavite will face the threat of Severe Tropical Storm Leon due to chances of rising Wind Signal No. 4 in Extreme Northern Luzon. RATING: FALSE CONCLUSION: According to the issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #8 and Weather Advisory #2 by PAGASA, the highest Wind Signal can be Wind Signal No. 3 or 4, particularly, in Extreme Northern Luzon. However, Batangas will just experience moderate to heavy rains on October 31 and there are no wind signals raised for the mentioned areas as of Oct. 28.

Jamayka Rhose Pascual Former senator Leila de Lima called for accountability and justice for extrajudicial killings victims in 2017, under former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. . Photo Courtesy of House of Representatives/Manila Standard. “The former mayor of Davao City and the former president of the Republic of the Philippines, for so long have evaded justice and accountability for the thousands of those killed in the name of the so-called war on drugs,” she said in her opening statement during the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on October 28. De Lima then cited the growing evidence of state-sponsored killings during the Duterte administration. “Ngayon po tayo umaasa dahil sa mga lumalabas na rebelasyon na pwedeng pwede at nandyan na ‘yung mga ebidensya na mga state-sponsored ang mga killings na ‘yan,” she stressed. The former senator also pointed out that the killings were a systematic crackdown that has encouraged impunity in the country, equipping officers wi...

Jamayka Rhose Pascual Senator Risa Hontiveros, during her opening statement at the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on October 28, expressed her hope that the investigation could reveal the truth behind "questionable" killings during the war on drugs under former president Rodrigo Duterte. Photo Courtesy of Lino Santos/Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau . This marks Duterte’s first appearance at Senate investigations on the war on drugs, after failing to attend previous Quad Comm hearings, stating he was not feeling well. According to Hontiveros, the campaign left a huge death toll on Filipino youth, noting that 122 minors were reported dead, with the youngest victim being just one year old. The senator also stressed that these were not isolated incidents, citing a specific night in 2017 when 32 deaths were reported in Bulacan and another 26 deaths in Manila alone. She then pointed to the highly publicized case of  Kian Delos Santos, a minor killed in a pol...

Jea Nicole Jacot The House of Representatives forwarded the proposed 2025 national budget to the Senate, along with the amendments approved by the appropriations committee, on Thursday, October 24. Photo Courtesy of Senate PRIB. Known as the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), the budget amounts to P6.352 trillion, reflecting a 10.13 percent increase from this year's P5.768 trillion budget. The budget measure was submitted to the Senate’s Legislative Bills and Index Service despite the cancellation of work in both chambers of Congress due to the adverse weather conditions brought about by severe tropical storm Kristine. OVP budget ‘realignment’ The House chamber decided to significantly cut the P1.3 billion budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and realigned the amount to raise the allocation for the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH). Lawmakers cited the overlap between the initiatives of the OVP and other agencies suc...

Vito Bongco “Walang perpekto.” Madalas natin marinig sa kung saang lupalop ang kasabihang “walang perpekto.” Minsan nga, may karugtong pa ito: “walang perpekto maliban kung ikaw ang Diyos.”   Sa panahon din natin ngayon, wala nang gaanong bigat ang mga academic achievements. Likas na mapagmatyag at mapanghusga kasi ang mga tao. Mananaliksik ka? Eh ano? May PhD ka? Edi wow! Ang siste, nagkamali ka at kahihiyan ‘yon. Dapat pinaninindigan mo na deserve mo ang tagumpay; kapag marami kang nagawa o malayo ang narating mo sa buhay, maraming nakaabang sa  bawat kilos at salita mo. Patunay nito ang nangyari kamakailan lang  sa segment na Throwbox ng programang It’s Showtime na umere noong Setyembre 19 . Sa naturang segment, natanong ang kalahok  na si Tony Dizon–isang guro na kasalukuyang nag-aaral para sa  doctorate degree –kung sino ang pinakaunang babaeng nahalal bilang pangulo ng bansa. Sa halip na Corazon Aquino, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang naisagot niya....

Danniell Domingo An X user suggested that Royina Garma may not have been truthful in claiming that Former President Rodrigo Duterte met with her in May 2016, citing that it was still election period at the time and Duterte's presidency officially began in June 2016, making it unlikely to prepare for the war on drugs on a national scale. CLAIM:  Former President Rodrigo Duterte unlikely met with ex-PCSO General Manager Royina Garma in May 2016 for the war on drugs campaign RATING:  FALSE CONCLUSION: Duterte had already claimed victory on May 10, 2016, just a day after the May 9 elections. The preliminary ballot count on Tuesday morning showed that Duterte had already amassed 39% of the counted votes, leading Grace Poe and Mar Roxas to concede due to the large margin. Duterte’s spokesperson, Peter Lavina, told reporters on the same day that “there will be a major rewriting of our constitution.” The testimony of Garma regarding the timeline of events was truthful, considering th...

Cassandra Casticimo The Philippines has long been dealing with agricultural issues such as ineffective supply chains, smuggling, hoarding, and the manipulation of the price of commodities such as rice, sugar, and vegetables. Due to natural calamities such as typhoons, the products are damaged leading to an increase in production costs, as well as unstable prices in the market. Therefore, the impact is significant on the inability of Filipino consumers to purchase their needs.  Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos formally signed Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act , as the visible response to these challenges. The purpose of the law is to protect farmers and consumers from illegal activities such as mass smuggling and hoarding that have a significant impact on the agricultural sector. Such violations are considered economic sabotage and carry heavier penalties such as life imprisonment and heavy fines. Smuggling and Hoarding Smuggling of agricultur...

Erin Devanadera  The Philippines dropped from its 12th place in the newly produced Sustainable Trade Index (STI) to 13th, as reported by the Hinrich Foundation in association with the Institute for Management Development (IMD) on October 23. Photo Courtesy of AFP. The 2024 Sustainability Index highlights three key models or pillars that signify a country’s sustainability status: economic, societal, and environmental. In the Philippine report, the country scored an overall rank of 13 and 54.8% out of the 30 countries listed on the scale measuring its sustainable security, relations, and efforts.  Other factors contributing to the recent ranking are attributed to the Sustainability Index’s pillars, with economical and societal ranks and scores of 19 and an overall environmental rank and score of 3 and 93%, highlighting the country’s satisfactory performance in ensuring accommodative growth and solutions for the environment.  “The country ranks first in environmental standar...

Dwayne Pelagio Senator Ronald “Bato Dela Rosa, the pioneer Philippine National Police Chief during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, would want to lead the campaign again if given a chance. Photo Courtesy of OneNews.PH/Rappler. Dela Rosa made the statement in a phone interview with reporters on October 24, citing that he has no regrets leading the drug campaign. When asked about the 6,252 recorded deaths of Duterte’s drug war campaign by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agencies (PDEA), the senator said that it was the only way to “win the battle.” “You can't fight a war, especially against the drug personalities, by being disente, by being pa-cute-cute,” Dela Rosa added in the interview. On his preparedness for the Senate probe into Duterte’s drug war, the former PNP chief said that he doesn’t need to prepare. “The truth is, andyan naman yung truth, hindi mo yung mapapalitan. I know the truth, kaya hindi nila ako pwedeng hindi nila ako pwedeng gawan-gawan ng istorya na kun...

Benedict Maravilla The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called on ABS-CBN Corporation for its decision to lay off workers as it faces a drop in advertisement revenue. Photo Courtesy of PEP.ph. In a statement released on October 20, the organization condemned the company and the media industry for ‘prioritizing business’ instead of the welfare of their workers. “While seeking viability and survival is understandable, big media owners all too often prioritize profits, with employees bearing the brunt of, and being the last to know about, measures to reduce losses,” they stated. NUJP stressed that the company is yet to provide transparency on the job cuts, saying that short warnings about management decisions affect the workers’ livelihood and mental health. “The lack of transparency, however, is at the very least unfair to all our Kapamilya colleagues, retrenched or not,” they stated. The organization also vowed to track the benefits and support that ABS-CBN had pr...

Noel Lazaro   In Christianity, surrendering means placing trust in the divine will. Proverbs say to lean on the Lord, not ourselves. But Apollo Carreon Quiboloy’s return after seven months in hiding brings questions. To whom did the pastor surrender? Was it an act of faith or fear? The debate runs deep. On September 8, 2024, Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced Quiboloy's capture on social media, shocking a public still reeling from Alice Guo's apprehension. Quiboloy's defenders quickly reframed the narrative, insisting that the 74-year-old leader, facing a 74-page U.S. indictment for sex trafficking and cash smuggling, had willingly surrendered. Meanwhile, his lawyers directed pointed criticisms at the president’s inner circle. Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla later revealed that Quiboloy’s surrender followed intense pressure from authorities, including threats of a significant police operation led by General Nicolas Torre III. This blurring of lines betwee...

Jamayka Rhose Pascual The Department of Agriculture (DA) said rice prices may further decrease following the slowdown in the September inflation rate. Photo Courtesy of INQUIRER.net/Nikkei Asia. Tariffs on imported rice have been reduced from 35% to 15%, and India has lifted its export ban. According to DA assistant secretary and spokesperson Arnel De Mesa, rice inflation has dropped significantly from 14.7% in August to 5.7% in September. “Natutuwa kami sa balita na ito dahil malaki ang ibinaba ng food inflation,” De Mesa said in a press briefing. The government has also introduced the Rice-for-All program, offering rice at P29 per kilo to ease the burden on consumers. De Mesa emphasized the benefits of the newly enacted Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act against smuggling in the country. “Kung mapipigilan po natin ‘yung pagpasok ng mga smuggled goods sa ating bansa, mas magiging maganda ang productivity ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” he stated. Aside from the strong ric...