Last Week's Wrap-up

𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐋𝐀, (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — The Supreme Court of the Philippines has voided the 2018 dismissal of former Overall Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang, ruling that former president Rodrigo Duterte exceeded his authority. In a 28-page decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, the Court’s Third Division affirmed an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeals declaring the dismissal void ab initio. The tribunal held that the Office of the President has no power to impose administrative sanctions on senior officials of the Office of the Ombudsman, an independent constitutional body.

Carandang was dismissed after he was accused of disclosing confidential bank records allegedly linked to Duterte and his family. The records were said to show billions in unexplained wealth. The case stemmed from a complaint filed in 2016 by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, accusing Duterte of plunder, graft, and other offenses. Then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales recused herself due to her familial ties to Vice President Sara Duterte, leaving Carandang to handle the case. The Court underscored that the Constitution guarantees the independence of the Ombudsman to ensure its effectiveness, warning that interference from the executive branch undermines the principle of checks and balances. With the ruling, Carandang is entitled to receive his retirement benefits and back salaries covering the period of his suspension and dismissal.

𝐃𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐗 𝐃𝐄𝐋 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐄, 𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐕𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐙𝐂𝐀𝐘𝐀 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Nueva Vizcaya lawmaker Timothy Joseph Cayton is pushing for a nationwide minimum wage, saying the measure is needed to address growing calls for higher pay amid economic shocks around the country.

Cayton urged lawmakers to act on House Bill No. 8081, or the proposed National Minimum Wage Act, which seeks to set a single wage rate for workers across the country.

He said the current system creates inequality, noting that minimum wage in Nueva Vizcaya is around P500 per day, while workers in the National Capital Region can earn as much as P695.

Under the bill, the national minimum wage would be based on the highest existing regional rate, aiming to reduce the gap between urban and provincial pay.

Cayton said the proposal would promote fairness and help workers cope with rising costs, stressing that equal work should receive equal pay regardless of location.

𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐎𝐍, 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐓 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Outdoor activities are back in this upland town as Mayor Bernard Waclin lifted the suspension on trekking and eco-tourism sites starting May 1, after recent forest fires were successful doused.

In Executive Order No. 23, Waclin cleared the reopening of key destinations, including Mount Ulap, Mount Ugo, Mount Pigingan, Mount Bidawan, Mount Cotcot, and Ave Maria Nature Park.

The sites had been shut down on April 20 after a series of fires hit forested areas, raising safety concerns for trekkers and nearby communities.

Authorities ordered the reopening only after confirming that all fire incidents had been fully contained. Assessment teams also inspected the trails and declared them safe for public use.

Despite the resumption of activities, visitors are required to follow existing regulations, with municipal personnel continuing to monitor conditions on the ground.

Stricter fire prevention measures and regular inspections will remain in place to protect both the environment and the safety of tourists and residents, Waclim promised. 

𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 (𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟬𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has launched a new digital platform aimed at tightening continuous learning and performance tracking among its personnel. Dubbed the PMA Transformation Roadmap Digital Learning and Assessment Information System, or TransformTrackr, the platform was formally introduced on April 29 at Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar.

Officials said the system is essential to the Academy’s push to align training, accountability, and institutional goals, bringing learning modules, quarterly assessments, and performance monitoring into a single, integrated platform. Beyond digitizing processes, TransformTrackr is designed to sharpen how personnel understand and contribute to PMA’s transformation roadmap, allowing users to track progress while keeping pace with evolving institutional priorities.

The platform also equips leadership with real-time, data-driven insights, enabling more precise decision-making, early identification of gaps, and targeted interventions to improve overall performance. To drive results, the system includes incentives and recognition for top performers, as PMA underscores its commitment to building a culture of measurable excellence and ensuring the Academy remains agile and mission-ready.

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — House Accounts committee chair, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon filed House Resolution No. 980 on Monday, seeking a congressional probe into alleged disinformation operations of Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), while flagging possible tax violations tied to its activities.

Ridon said his effort supports House Speaker Faustino Dy III’s campaign against fake news, but goes further by targeting how such operations are run and funded.  “We must go beyond content and examine the operations behind it, including whether these are compliant with tax laws,” he said. The lawmaker warned that if disinformation efforts are monetized, they must be properly declared and taxed. “Otherwise, this raises serious concerns of tax evasion,” Ridon said, adding the inquiry will also look into owners, partners, and affiliated entities behind such networks.

The resolution cited viral posts attributed to PGMN showing a supposed spike in electricity bills, which allegedly used different customer account numbers—raising concerns of deliberate misrepresentation. Ridon said misleading content exploits real public concerns, particularly among households already burdened by high power costs.Ridon said the probe will involve the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to check for possible violations, including tax compliance and unlawful activities. The measure is expected to be referred to the House Committee on Public Information.

𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐆, 𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐕𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐙𝐂𝐀𝐘𝐀 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)  — Nueva Vizcaya is fast emerging as a top tourism destination in Cagayan Valley, no longer just a stopover for travelers, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday. DOT-Region 2 Director Troy Alexander G. Miano said Nueva Vizcaya is gaining attention after hosting major events like the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism Regional Forum and the Tour of Luzon cycling race. “Nueva Vizcaya is no longer just a place people pass through. It is now one of the hidden gems of Region 2, next to Batanes,” Miano beamed. 

He credited the province’s natural attractions, supportive communities, and the strong leadership of Governor Jose V. Gambito for driving tourism growth. Miano urged officials and stakeholders to keep working together to sustain the province’s momentum.

Gambito thanked the DOT for backing efforts to revive paragliding and reopen Bagabag Airport, which is expected to bring in more tourists. The governor said more funds will be poured into tourism projects, including road access to paragliding sites and plans for a pilot training school. He added that tourism remains a priority, saying more visitors will help further boost Nueva Vizcaya’s growing economy.

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Motorists in Baguio City faced mixed fuel prices on May 4, with some stations holding rates steady, others posting slight increases, and several reporting supply shortages, according to monitoring by the Baguio City Police Office.

Data comparing May 3 and May 4 prices showed a varied trend across fuel retailers, based on checks conducted at 7 a.m. on both days. Stations of Petron largely kept prices unchanged. Diesel regular stayed at P88.30 per liter, while gasoline prices ranged from about P88.90 to P91.30 per liter depending on the type.

Meanwhile, Caltex and Chevron stations recorded slight increases, particularly for premium gasoline, which rose to around P96.40 per liter. Diesel prices in these stations remained higher compared to others.

Kerosene supply remained limited and expensive. Only a few stations carried stocks, with prices ranging from P112.30 to as high as P134.80 per liter, while several outlets reported no available supply.

Some independent retailers offered lower prices. Clean Fuel stations sold diesel at around P91.00 per liter and gasoline at about P86.60, though availability varied. Other smaller players also posted competitive diesel prices but lacked gasoline stocks.

Prices at Shell and Total stations differed by location, with some outlets listing gasoline prices close to P98.70 per liter. The BCPO also noted several stations in areas like Quezon Hill and Irisan had no fuel available, highlighting ongoing supply gaps in parts of the city. 

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Press group National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) sees state repression continues to pose the most serious threat to press freedom, even as the country marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3 with renewed calls to safeguard journalists. NUJP said it has documented 242 media freedom violations under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with 43 percent allegedly carried out by government actors and state security forces—highlighting the persistent risks faced by the press.

The group also raised concern over the killing of 10 journalists, stressing that even in cases authorities claim were unrelated to their work, the state has failed to ensure protection and accountability. “The climate of impunity remains,” the NUJP said. It cited cases including the killing of RJ Ledesma, whom the military allegedly tagged as a combatant, and the continued detention of Tacloban-based reporter Frenchie Mae Cumpio on terrorism financing charges widely criticized by media groups as fabricated. Both had been subjected to red-tagging prior to the incidents, the NUJP noted.

The NUJP also flagged the use of libel laws and the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to intimidate journalists, along with red-tagging linked to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. It criticized the government for ignoring calls—including from UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan—to decriminalize libel, end red-tagging, and pass a Freedom of Information law. Global data reflected similar concerns.  A survey by Forbidden Stories and the World Association of News Publishers found that 68 percent of threatened journalists believe perpetrators fear international exposure more than legal or NGO pressure, while 77 percent of threats were attributed to public authorities. In the Philippines, where nearly half of respondents say critical reporting on government is dangerous, journalists are increasingly collaborating across borders to ensure stories continue even if reporters are silenced. 

The NUJP said these efforts show attacks “do not happen in a vacuum,” urging stronger public support for the press. Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security cited progress, noting the country’s improved standing in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, where the Philippines rose to 114th out of 180 countries—its highest rank in 21 years—while acknowledging that challenges such as red-tagging, disinformation, and legal threats persist.

𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 (𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟬𝟔, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) — International human rights campaigner Amnesty International has sounded the alarm over what it described as a deepening human rights crisis across Luzon, warning that accountability for violations remains largely out of reach.

Speaking before journalists in Baguio City on Tuesday, May 5, Amnesty International Philippines Director Ritz Lee Santos III cited a pattern of escalating abuses — from alleged aerial bombardments affecting indigenous and civilian communities to unresolved cases of enforced disappearances, attacks on press freedom, labor rights violations, and the compounding impact of climate-related disasters. While acknowledging efforts by the Baguio City government and Commission on Human Rights-Cordillera to integrate human rights into governance, Santos said “the rest of Luzon is falling behind,” with many local government units failing to meet their obligations.

Amnesty also flagged increasing militarization in parts of Southern Luzon and the Cordillera region, including Kalinga province where it monitored that activists continue to face harassment and long-standing cases of abduction remain unresolved. The group underscored the lack of justice in enforced disappearance cases, noting that despite writs of amparo issued by the Supreme Court of the Philippines for victims such desaparesidos Jonas Burgos, Dexter Capuyan, and Bazoo de Jesus, no successful prosecutions continued.

Chuwaley Capuyan, daughter of missing indigenous activist Dexter Capuyan present during Tuesday’s Amnesty Intl’s human rights report presentation said, they are still seeking concrete action from authorities despite the court’s recognition of their case. She appealed for an end to attacks against indigenous communities and rights defenders. Amnesty International reiterated its Human Rights Legislative Agenda for the 20th Congress, noting that since it was first presented to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022, it has yet to receive a formal response. Recent communication from Malacañang indicated the President could not accommodate the group’s latest request for dialogue, Santos III claimed. 

𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗠𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗚, 𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗩𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗭𝗖𝗔𝗬𝗔 (𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟎𝟓, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) — Nueva Vizcaya’s tourism is continuing to build momentum, with visitor arrivals rising in 2025 and paying tourists surging 28.02 percent in the first quarter of 2026, its Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) reported this week. Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales said total arrivals grew by 10.2 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, while day visitors and excursionists increased 5.4 percent, showing sustained interest in what the northeastern province has to offer.

Data showed 10,478 visitors in the first quarter of 2026, up from 8,185 in the same period last year, underscoring a steady rebound in travel demand.

Costales attributed the steady growth with the strong push of Gov. Jose Gambito, noting that prioritizing tourism has strengthened promotion efforts and the rollout of development initiatives across Nueva Vizcaya. However, revenue at Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park (LMET) reached P6.8 million in 2025, down 24.4 percent from P9 million in 2024, due to the temporary closure of its conference center after damage from Typhoon Uwan, along with booking cancellations linked to roadworks and traffic along the Maharlika Highway.

But Costales is optimistoc, recovery prospects remain strong, citing full occupancy at LMET accommodations during a recent long weekend and the park’s continued draw as the province’s top attraction with 37,284 visitors in 2025. Looking ahead, Nueva Vizcaya is set to host the International Summit on the Conservation of the Gray-faced Buzzard March next year, expected to attract birdwatchers from across East Asia, while also promoting paragliding and pushing for the reactivation of Bagabag Airport to further boost tourism growth.

𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗞 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗔 (𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟎𝟔, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲) — About P6.6 million worth of marijuana shrubs were destroyed in a two-day eradication operation in Tinglayan, Kalinga Sunday till Monday.

Joint teams from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Cordillera and local police uprooted around 33,000 fully grown marijuana in a 3,000-square-meter site in Barangay Loccong from May 3 to 4. No suspects were found at the scene.

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is urging Philippine authorities to ensure full transparency in the probe into the killing of community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma in Negros Occidental. RSF called on the military to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), which has launched an independent investigation into the April 19 incident.

Ledesma, 30, editor of Paghimutad-Negros and regional coordinator of alternative news media organization Altermidya, was among 19 killed in what the military said was an encounter with NPA rebels. The military insists all fatalities were combatants, with spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala claiming Ledesma took part in a firefight. 

Ledesma’s colleagues however dispute the military’s claim saying he was in a nearby village covering environmental issues at the time.Altermidya also said Ledesma had been reporting on renewable energy projects affecting farmers and questioned evidence presented by the military, suggesting some items may have been planted. RSF official Cédric Alviani warned that conflicting accounts demand caution, citing a pattern of “red-tagging” against journalists. With 148 media workers killed since 1986 and the Philippines ranked 114th in the global press freedom index, RSF stressed the need to establish the truth and ensure accountability.

𝐋𝐀𝐎𝐀𝐆 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐄 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Ilocos Norte is stepping up its renewable energy drive with the launch of two solar projects in Currimao and Paoay towns.

The Astra Solar Energy and Opus Solar Energy projects, backed by the VENA Group, are part of Ilocos Norte’s growing clean energy portfolio, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading renewable energy hubs.

Both developments were tagged as Energy Projects of National Significance and endorsed as strategic investments by the Board of Investments under Executive Order No. 18, fast-tracking approvals and highlighting their role in energy security and the shift to cleaner power.

Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos beamed that the projects reflect strong collaboration between government and private sector partners, adding the province is well-positioned to advance initiatives such as net metering alongside the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative.

Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, meanwhile, said scaling up solar through microgrids and battery storage could widen access to affordable energy, as the projects are also expected to create jobs and support long-term sustainable growth. 

𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐀 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)  —  The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the Ilocos Region has ramped up mitigation measures against the looming impact of El Niño, seeking to secure water supply and stabilize farm produce in one of Northern Luzon’s key agricultural corridors. NIA Region I acting regional manager Geffrey Catulin said they are prioritizing infrastructure readiness, including aggressive desilting of dams—particularly upstream sections—to boost water storage ahead of the second dry crop and the coming wet season.  

Canal desilting is also underway to ensure efficient water flow across irrigation networks.

To stretch limited resources, NIA is implementing Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), a water-saving technique that reduces unnecessary flooding while maintaining sufficient moisture for crops. It has also adopted rotational water delivery, prioritizing downstream farms before upstream areas to maximize distribution efficiency. Aside from irrigation, NIA Region 1 is pushing crop diversification to help farmers shift toward higher-value produce, while scaling up the use of solar-powered pumps nationwide to reduce dependence on traditional water sources.  These measures are being reinforced through regular System Management Committee meetings to tighten coordination among irrigation stakeholders, Catulin explained.

Despite stable dam levels across the region’s four provinces, Catulin flagged declining river levels as an early signal of intensifying climate risks. This has prompted stricter water governance and allocation strategies to ensure equitable access among farming communities. Still, early gains offer a buffer. NIA Region I reported irrigating over 116,000 hectares during the first dry cropping season this year, surpassing its 115,000-hectare target—an outcome officials say underscores the business-critical role of efficient water management in sustaining agricultural productivity amid climate volatility.

𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐋 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑, 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Yet another female cadet of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) topped the graduating class this year, and four others are on the top – fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth placers are also females. Twenty-three years old Cadet First Class Christine Kaye Demisana Librada of Lipa City, Batangas bested 206 others in her “Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal” (Talang Dangal) Class of 2026.

Future Philippine Army Second Lieutenant Librada, is the ninth female cadet to become Valedictorian at the premier military officers training institution in the country. Female cadets have consistently topped the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) since women were admitted in 1993, with several taking the top spot (valedictorian) and dominating top 10 positions. 

Recent notable female valedictorians include Jeneth Elumba (2024), Khrystleann Quemado (2022), Gemalyn Sugui (2020), and Dionne Mae Umalla (2019).  In 2024 seven other women were in the top 10 with Elumba including Cyril Joy Masculino(4th), Rosemel Dogello (5th), Alexa Mye Valen (6th), Giselle Tong (8th), and Nerova Binag (10th).  In 2020 Cadet 1CL Gemalyn Deocares Sugui was valedictorian, leading five female cadets in the top 10.

In 2019 Cadet 1CL Dionne Mae Apolog Umalla topped her class. The late Navy Ensign Arlene dela Cruz (1999) was the first female valedictorian, followed by Tara Velasco (2003), Andrelee Mojica (2007), and Rovi Mariel Martinez (2017). Also in 2025 class, several females led, including Cadet 1CL Kobe Jo Ann Q. Pajaron, who ranked 6th overall. On the top 10 in this year’s graduating class are: Mark John Vincent Utlang Catacutan, 24, from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (second); Thomas Edgar Isla Sepulchre, 23, from Angeles City, Pampanga (third); Ian Harold Durana Hubilla, 23, from Sorsogon City, Sorsogon; (fourth); Maeg Adriene Pajarillo Bermudez, 24, from Moncada, Tarlac (fifth); Cherry Mael Panag Geco, 24, from Jamindan, Capiz (sixth);  Elixa Anya Lumbang Hernandez, 22, from Padre Gacia, Batangas (seventh); Catherine Liesha Beloa de Chavez, 22, from San Pascual, Batangas (eighth); Cedric Cyril Guingguing Polizon, 24,  from Tagbina, Surigao del Sur (ninth); and Mark Clemente Dequinto Centina, 24, from Cadiz. City, Negros Occidental (tenth).

“Soldier-Pa’s work as inspiration”

Valedictorian Librada, a daughter of a military officer and an entrepreneur, went to De La Salle University in Manila and graduated with high honors before joining the PMA. It was mainly her father, she said that pushed her to become a military officer.  “I saw how his work touched peoples lives,”  she narrated after she visited his fathers as the commander of the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion doing multiple Civil Military Operation activities that reached out far-flung areas (where there were less privileged).  It did not however revolved around that, the Valedictorian admitted, ‘but progressed into providing service to everyone in the country, not just specific sectors.’  

Recently visiting the Pag-asa Island with her “mistahs”, Librada realized “was not just territory or was not just about the land, but the people living there.”   They are composed of diverse backgrounds, people from different areas, but they are there because they share the same identity as Filipinos, she learned.  She promised, “we are those who swore to protect the Filipino people.” 

Her achievement reflects the PMA’s commitment to developing disciplined, competent, and values-oriented military leaders who are prepared to serve the nation and uphold the ideals of the AFP, said PMA Superintendent, Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia. PMA “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 is set to graduate on May 16, 2026, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. handing over the Presidential Saber to Librada for being her class topnotcher and welcoming the 206 others graduates into the Armed Forces as its newest officers. PMA said of the 207 graduates, 76 are going to the Philippine Army including the Valedictorian, 69 to the Philippine Navy and 62 to the Philippine Air Force. 

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — The Lopez Group’s internal rift is intensifying, with one faction tagging provisions in recent deals as “poison pills” amid a brewing fight over control of First Gen Corporation.

Allies of “Gabby’s camp” claim that the “poison pill” clauses entrench chairman Federico “Piki” R. Lopez and disadvantaged shareholders, underscoring a wider clash over strategy and leadership.But First Gen pushed back, saying the questioned terms in its agreements with Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. are not so-called “poison pills” but rather standard “change in management control” (CMC) or “key man” provisions and not takeover defenses.

“These are typical in capital-heavy energy projects to ensure leadership continuity,” the company said, stressing that execution hinges on the expertise and relationships of key executives, including Piki Lopez, whom partner Prime Infra recognizes as critical to the ventures. The main issue of the dispute is a joint pipeline with Prime Infra unit Prime Hydropower Energy Inc. covering about 2,000 megawatts of pumped-storage projects—a 600-MW facility in Wawa, Rizal, and a 1,400-MW plant in Pakil, Laguna—seen as vital to grid stability and the renewable energy push.

Under the terms, a change in management control during construction and up to one year after operations could allow Prime Infra to require First Gen to sell its stake at a discount. Gabby Lopez’s camp argues the mechanism penalizes governance changes and may deter legitimate shareholder action. First Gen counters it is a negotiated risk-sharing feature common in projects of this scale. First Gen added that Prime Infra itself required the CMC provisions, calling them a sign of confidence in the current management team. Piki Lopez firmly believes that the Prime Infra deals—including hydropower and natural gas partnerships—are beneficial to First Gen and its shareholders.

The dispute has since widened into a proxy battle over the group’s direction, pitting aggressive expansion against governance concerns, with investors watching whether the Lopez family can close ranks as the projects move forward. “Key man” provisions are common in high-value contracts involving investment or loan agreements. Such provisions in these types of projects are agreed upon by all parties, but are usually demanded by the investor or lender. It is to ensure that certain key trusted and vetted personalities remain onboard as the project progresses. 

𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐋𝐀 (𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — CJ Hirro has already been sent a subpoena by the National Bureau of Investigation, according to NBI director Melvin Matibag.

Hirro is now being considered as a person of interest in connection with the robbery-extortion complaint filed against Franco Mabanta and four other individuals.

"𝙏𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣 '𝙮𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙣𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖 𝙋𝙂𝙈𝙉. 𝙆𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣, 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙮, 𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙖 𝙣𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙮𝙖 (𝙨𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤). 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣... 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖 '𝙬𝙖𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙠𝙖," Matibag said.

𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐂, 𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — A controversial contractor and a former official of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera are facing complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over a P96.4-million flood control project in Mountain Province that reportedly exceeded its contract period and remains incomplete.

The complaint, filed on April 10, 2026 by anti-corruption advocate Juniper Dominguez, named contractor MG Samidan and former DPWH-Cordillera regional director Engr. Khadaffy Tanggol, who is now assigned in Region 5. The project, located in Barangay Masablang in Paracelis town was awarded to MG Samidan Construction on June 10, 2024 with a completion period of 184 days, or until early 2025. However, Dominguez alleged that work on the flood control structure only began in December 2025 and remains ongoing as of April 2026.

Dominguez accused the respondents of technical malversation, graft, dishonesty, and falsification of documents, citing possible violations of anti-corruption and government procurement laws. Also included in the complaint were the contractor’s representative, members of the DPWH Bids and Awards Committee, project signatories, and auditors linked to the project implementation. The complainant also questioned several project expenditures, including costs for mobilization, safety measures, tree removal, and construction materials, raising concerns over how the amounts were computed. Dominguez also sought clarification on whether proper materials testing had been conducted and whether additional funding would still be required due to the project’s delayed completion. 

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Abra lawmaker JB Bernos earlier this week urged government-owned and controlled corporations to donate hauling trucks and logistics equipment to help farmers and boost the country’s food security efforts. Bernos specifically called on the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to expand their assistance programs beyond ambulance donations by supporting agricultural transport needs.

The lawmaker issued the appeal after Agriculture chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told a recent Senate hearing that the Department of Agriculture has been deploying its own hauling trucks to assist farmers, although its logistics capacity remains limited. Bernos said GOCCs could help bridge gaps in the agriculture sector by donating hauling trucks, post-harvest facilities, and other logistical support to local government units and farming communities. 

He warned that weak transport systems and rising fuel costs continue to contribute to crop spoilage and supply disruptions, adding that improved logistics could help farmers deliver produce faster and reduce post-harvest losses nationwide.

𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃, 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐓 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — More school buildings will soon rise in far-flung communities in Benguet as the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed funding for new classroom projects in Kabayan, Bakun and La Trinidad.

The planned projects include a three-storey, 12-classroom building at Ballay Integrated School in Kabayan town seeking to address classroom shortages in the upland town.

In Bakun, another three-storey school building equipped with eight classrooms, one ICT laboratory and one science laboratory is set for construction to improve learning facilities for students in the remote upland town. Meanwhile, Don Pulas Elementary School in La Trinidad will get a fully furnished three-storey building with six classrooms, further boosting educational infrastructure in the provincial capital.

The approved funding is part of the continuing push to reduce the classroom backlog in Benguet, particularly in geographically isolated schools where students often face limited access to quality facilities, explained Benguet lawmaker Eric Go Yap.  “Hindi dahil malayo, makakalimutan at mapapabayaan,” the lawmaker said, stressing that distance should not be a reason for neglecting communities in need of government support. The education projects are part of ongoing efforts to create better learning environments for the youth despite challenges, with officials vowing to continue investing in schools across Benguet. “Even through personal storms, the mission to shape young lives must go on as we continue to build places where dreams can rise,” Yap added.

𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐀, 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐓 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Public works chief Vince Dizon on Friday ordered the immediate rehabilitation of a collapsed section of Marcos Highway in Barangay Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet nearly nine months after the road slip caused by Super Typhoon “Nando” in September 2025. Dizon saw for himself the damaged area following insistent complaints over the worsening condition of the highway, one of the major road arteries to Baguio City, Benguet and other Cordillera provinces.

Dizon directed contractors to begin repair works as early as May 11 and complete the rehabilitation within four months to prevent further soil erosion and possible accidents when the rainy season comes. The road slip has restricted traffic flow for several months, prompting complaints from residents and motorists over heavy congestion and safety risks along the affected stretch of Marcos Highway in Tuba town.

The site visit came after a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the restoration of damaged infrastructure in the Cordillera region, Dizon emphasized.

According to the DPWH, the rehabilitation program will also include repairs on other road slips along the highway to ensure safer travel and restore the full functionality of the vital transport corridor.

𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐀, 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐎 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Authorities said government scored a major breakthrough in the anti-insurgency campaign after the alleged top most wanted person in Cagayan Valley and a former New People’s Army commander gave up to police and military forces in Barangay San Dionisio I, Maddela town in Quirino province. Identified only as alias “Benson,” 42, a former platoon leader and intelligence officer of Platoon Remo under the “Komiteng Probinsiya ng Isabela” of the NPA’s Cagayan Valley regional committee, voluntarily gave up this week.

Police said “Benson” was tagged as Region 2’s top most wanted person due to multiple criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, attempted homicide, and direct assault. “Benson” also turned over several firearms and explosive materials.

Although the government has already declared Cagayan Valley region as insurgency-free, government security forces said operations against communist rebels remain to prevent their resurgence. Cagayan province governor Edgardo Aglipay, chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council, meanwhile pushed for stronger coordination among local government units, police, and the military to sustain peace and order gains in Region 2 following the insurgency-free declaration of the whole Cagayan Valley region.

𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐊, 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐓 (𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — A councilor in the vegetable-producing town of Atok in Benguet has urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to reconsider its planned importation of 6,000 metric tons of carrots, warning it could further hurt already struggling local farmers.

Councilor Kelly Denn Venancio Tomas, organizer of “Project UBBO” or United Buying and Bayanihan Operations, questioned the DA’s decision following its announcement that carrot imports would help address high market prices. Tomas called on the government to temporarily suspend the importation plan and provide a transparent explanation to farmers and stakeholders in the highland agricultural sector.  She also demanded a formal dialogue before the plan is implemented. The town councilor argued that a previous carrot importation failed to bring down retail prices in Metro Manila, where carrots still sell for between P80 and P190 per kilo.   She further noted that while consumers continue to face high prices, local growers are receiving low farm-gate prices for their produce.

According to Tomas, the situation suggests that middlemen and importers are reaping most of the profits while farmers and consumers continue to suffer.  She said the DA must first prove that there is an actual shortage in local supply that cannot be met by domestic production. Tomas also questioned the urgency of importing carrots, stressing that the vegetable is not a staple commodity like rice.   She warned that importation should not become the government’s default response to market fluctuations and urged authorities to pursue “pro-Filipino solutions” that would protect local farmers while keeping vegetables affordable for consumers.