Las Piñas Mayor Inaugurates Briguela’s Cup 2025 Basketball Tournament

Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar officially opened the Briguela’s Cup 2025, a basketball tournament aimed at fostering community unity and encouraging an active lifestyle through sport. The event brought together 18 teams competing in three age-based divisions: Junior and Senior categories for those aged 20 to 35, and the Super Daddy Division for participants aged 40 and above. This structure enabled players from different generations to engage and compete on the same court, enhancing intergenerational camaraderie. "It was bonding through basketball, a sporting activity," Mayor Aguilar remarked, emphasizing the event's role in community building. The opening ceremony was also attended by Talon Singko Barangay Kagawad Gelo Vergara, Talon Uno SK Chairman Lord Vicente, DELNOR HOA President Alvic Pangilinan, as well as Oneal Briguela and Emerson Morillo, organizers representing Talon Triskelion. Mayor Aguilar underscored the significance of such tournaments in strengthening community ties, promoting wellness, and fostering a sense of pride and cooperation among the residents of Las Piñas. "Events like this are essential in nurturing not only healthy lifestyles but also the spirit of unity among Las Piñeros," she stated.

La Carlota City Celebrates Art and Unity with Mangkas Group’s Five-Day Festival

The Mangkas Group of Artists recently organized a five-day festival titled "Dungog sang Mangkas 2: Art as Heritage, Unity as Strength" at the public plaza in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, from September 8 to 12. The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Joel Jalandoni, alongside City Councilor Joseph Martin Jalandoni, Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Culture and Arts, City Tourism Officer Karen Aguirre, special guest artist Hill Benitez from Cadiz City, and members of the Mangkas Group, together with participating schools and local creatives. Throughout the celebration, a variety of activities were conducted to engage the community, including vibrant workshops and artistic sessions. Highlights included an art talk by Hill Benitez focusing on artists’ etiquette, professionalism, and character development; hands-on craft-making and terracotta clay workshops; bonsai and tattoo skill-building sessions; as well as a contemporary dance workshop and poetry reading that showcased movement and verse. The festival featured active participation from local artists such as James Estimada, Carlo Villahermosa, Gigay Molinos, Chuck Uy, Zaldy Flores, Neil Lamberto, and many others. Their involvement added depth and diversity to the event’s creative offerings. The closing night was marked by a grand gala celebrating art and culture, which included the induction of new officers and the inaugural Pasidungog Gawad Parangal 2025. This special recognition honored local talents for their significant contributions to the city’s artistic landscape. The gala was attended by notable personalities, including Chole Cuenca Chua, Ellaine Jalandoni, Councilor Joseph Martin Jalandoni, and Executive Assistant III Ruth Famillaran-Villanueva, who joined in honoring the achievements and dedication of the community. "Dungog sang Mangkas 2" successfully united artists, students, and residents of La Carlota City, underscoring the importance of cultural heritage, community skill development, and the strength derived from artistic unity. The event’s success reflects the collaborative spirit and commitment of all involved, making it a memorable occasion for the city’s cultural calendar.

Civil Society and Authorities Commit to Peaceful Trillion Peso March on September 21

In a coordinated effort to guarantee a peaceful and orderly demonstration, several civil society groups and law enforcement authorities have signed a Memorandum of Undertaking ahead of the upcoming Trillion Peso March. The agreement involves the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT), Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian (SIKLAB), Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM), Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), and Tindig Pilipinas. The rally is scheduled for September 21, beginning at 9:00 AM with a public ecumenical mass and morning program organized by SIKLAB at the People Power Monument. The event will progress into the afternoon with the core activities of the Trillion Peso March, where citizens will unite to call for transparency and justice amid systemic corruption concerns. Kiko Aquino Dee, representing Tindig Pilipinas, emphasized the event's significance, stating, \"The Trillion Peso March is not just a protest—it is a moral call. On September 21, we show that the people will not be silenced by corruption and abuse. Together, we march in peace but with firm conviction, to demand a government worthy of our trust.\" The collective aim is to encourage widespread participation from Filipinos who seek to express their demand for accountable governance. Dee further remarked, \"September 21 will be a day to show that when the people stand together—peacefully but resolutely—no abuse of power can outlast the strength of a nation determined to reclaim integrity in governance.\"

Supreme Court Halts Preparations for Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections

Metro Manila, Philippines – Preparations for the inaugural Bangsamoro parliamentary elections have been put on hold after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), prompting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to pause all election-related activities just weeks before the scheduled October 13 voting. In a nine-page resolution dated September 17, the Comelec en banc accepted the advice of its Bangsamoro Study Group and Law Department to suspend all measures linked to the electoral process until the Supreme Court either lifts the TRO or rules on the constitutionality of Bangsamoro Autonomous Act (BAA) No. 77. BAA No. 77 reallocates seven parliamentary seats that were originally assigned to Sulu province, which was excluded from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region following an earlier Supreme Court decision. Several petitions argue that this legislation violates the Constitution and the Voter’s Registration Act by modifying electoral precincts during the election period. The Supreme Court’s restraining order prevents Comelec, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, and other involved agencies from enforcing BAA 77 with immediate effect while the case is under review. "Bilang pagtalima sa inissue na TRO kahapon ay nag susupend ng lahat ng preparasyon patungkol sa conduct ng election," Comelec Chairman George Garcia told reporters after the en banc meeting, confirming that all election preparations have been suspended in compliance with the court’s order. Garcia further announced that Comelec will file a manifestation on September 18 to clarify its intended actions in response to the TRO and will submit its formal comments on the petitions by September 22. The Bangsamoro Organic Law, which established the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2018, initially scheduled the parliamentary elections earlier but faced multiple delays due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of an articulated electoral code. This latest legal challenge adds another layer of uncertainty to the region’s electoral timeline.

House of Representatives Provides Live Updates on Key Legislative Activities

The House of Representatives has commenced live updates to keep the public informed on critical legislative events. Key personalities involved include House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Representative Bojie Dy. These live updates provide timely information on proceedings, legislative discussions, and decisions, enhancing transparency and accessibility for constituents and observers. House officials emphasize the importance of these updates in promoting active public engagement and ensuring accountability in legislative processes. The initiative aims to keep the public regularly informed on the progress of key matters under the House\'s jurisdiction.

Cebu and Mandaue Reinforce Partnership to Tackle Flooding Through Beyond Borders 4.0

Cebu City and Mandaue City have renewed their commitment to jointly address flooding and river rehabilitation challenges through the continuation of the Beyond Borders program, reaffirmed on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.\n\nCebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano formalized this partnership by signing a commitment to Beyond Borders 4.0, an inter-city initiative focused on developing long-term solutions to the recurring floods affecting both cities, especially along the Butuanon and Mahiga Rivers.\n\nOriginally launched four years ago by previous administrations, the program integrates efforts from local government units, national agencies, academic institutions, and private sector partners to implement sustainable flood mitigation strategies in Metro Cebu.\n\nMayor Archival emphasized Cebu City’s critical role as the upstream community, highlighting that it influences the flooding conditions experienced downstream in Mandaue City. Among the ongoing projects intended to reduce flood impact are the installation of catchment systems and gabion dams designed to regulate water flow. Already, two small dams located in Barangay Pulangbato are nearing completion, with expected delivery by early November.\n\n\"These catchments will help control water release, preventing sudden surges that cause flooding,\" Archival explained.\n\nHe also pointed out that waste from upstream areas clogs Mandaue’s waterways, stressing the importance of public awareness. \"We must educate our communities that rivers are not dumping sites. Collective action is essential,\" he added.\n\nIn addition, Cebu City plans to invest in early warning systems aimed at alerting downstream areas, primarily benefiting Mandaue residents. Under the agreement, Mandaue will provide the necessary equipment while Cebu City will assign personnel to operate and monitor the devices.\n\nMayor Ouano welcomed the enhanced collaboration, acknowledging its necessity given that Mandaue often bears the greatest impact of flooding.\n\nKey projects prioritized under Beyond Borders 4.0 include:\n- Rehabilitation of Mahiga River\n- Repair and improvement works on Subangdaku Bridge\n- Channel enhancement and dredging\n- Construction of upstream water catchment facilities, such as gabion dams on the Butuanon River\n- Rehabilitation and development of riverbank easements, including bamboo planting\n- Installation of early warning systems along Butuanon and Mahiga Rivers\n- Strengthening solid waste management and installation of trash traps\n- Revision and enhancement of drainage master plans of both Cebu and Mandaue cities\n\nWith clearly defined actions and heightened cooperation, officials are optimistic that Beyond Borders 4.0 will produce tangible results building on the foundation established by earlier phases.

Cebu City Council Probes Legality of PASVI's Night Market Operations on Colon Street

Cebu City Council is currently investigating the legitimacy of the Participative Association of Sugbo Vendors Inc. (PASVI) as the managing entity of the Night Market on Colon Street, Cebu City. The scrutiny focuses on the authority and legal basis of PASVI's operations. During an executive session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover queried city officials and Muslim community leaders regarding the issuance of permits for the event. City Administrator Albert Tan clarified that his office only supported the mayor’s resolution endorsing the temporary closure of Colon Street for the night market and bazaar activities. He further explained that the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) granted clearances and special permits to ensure regulatory compliance. Tan also denied knowledge of any monthly rental fee of PHP 6,000 being collected from vendors. He added that although the Gasa Board is responsible for regulating vendors, such role has not been enforced under the current administration of Mayor Nestor Archival. Jeannat Aliih Cortes, head of the Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), acknowledged that her office merely assisted Muslim vendors by certifying applicants but did not directly manage the night market. Syria Lawyer Abubakar Gunang from the National Commission on Filipino Muslims revealed that PASVI, led by convenor Ibrahim Mike Ginyalan, sought the mayor’s approval to organize the night market during Christmas and Sinulog festivities. The group is responsible for complying with requirements such as securing barangay clearances from Parian, Kalubihan, and Santo Niño, along with permits from BPLO and CCTO. Jared Limquiaco, BPLO officer-in-charge, disclosed that the city collected PHP 281,500 in special permit fees from 100 stalls. He emphasized that these were temporary authorizations rather than full business permits, similar to those issued for mall stalls. Limquiaco clarified that BPLO does not oversee the night market, which had traditionally been regulated by the Gasa Board. Councilor Alcover remarked that without the Gasa Board’s involvement, the night market operates without a firm legal foundation. Launched on September 12, the Cebu Night Market runs daily but has drawn concerns from vendors and residents over chaotic stall allocation and accusations of profiteering by unofficial organizers. Alcover has committed to raising the issue again in the regular City Council session and warned of possible closure if the night market fails to comply with proper regulations.

Investigation Underway After Newborn Allegedly Kidnapped from Pangasinan Hospital

Officials have commenced an investigation following the alleged abduction of a newborn at Lingayen District Hospital on Sunday, September 14. The infant, named Prince Harry Pablo Carpio, was born only four days prior, on Wednesday, September 10. His parents, Romeo, 42, and Rocel, 39, residents of Binmaley, Pangasinan, have appealed for assistance in finding their missing child. Preliminary inquiries reveal that Romeo had briefly left the obstetrics ward to handle hospital payments, leaving Rocel and their newborn unattended. During this interval, a woman dressed in green scrubs, resembling a nurse, approached Rocel and claimed she needed to take Prince for a routine blood test. The child, however, was not returned. When Rocel sought clarification from hospital personnel, she was told no such test had been planned or carried out. Lingayen police have initiated follow-up investigations, including the review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from within and around the hospital premises. Authorities aim to identify the suspect and recover the infant safely. They are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement immediately.

Looc Mayor Highlights Changing Dynamics in Child Discipline Over Time

Looc Mayor Lisette Arboleda recently reflected on how children today differ in behavior and discipline compared to when she was young. She noted that in her childhood, a mere glance from a parent was enough to immediately correct a child's behavior. However, she explained that this tactic no longer works with children nowadays. "When I was young, just a look from my mother or father was sufficient," Arboleda said. "Now, it's necessary to explain the reasons behind why we ask children to act or refrain from doing something." She emphasizes that these changes highlight how parenting methods have evolved with the times. Arboleda shared this insight on social media, writing, "Noong panahon namin, tingin pa lang ng nanay at tatay ko alam ko na ibig sabihin. Ngayon, kailangan ko pa mag explain kung bakit. Good morning sa tanan." Her observation draws attention to the importance of communication and understanding in modern child-rearing practices, illustrating a cultural shift in how discipline and guidance are approached.

Landslide Closes Bagumbayan-Senator Ninoy Aquino Road in Sultan Kudarat

A section of the road linking the towns of Bagumbayan and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat has been temporarily closed following a landslide on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred along Sitio Little Baguio in Barangay Chua, where heavy and continuous rainfall triggered the landslide. The Bagumbayan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) confirmed that no casualties were reported as a result of the event. However, the affected road remains impassable. The MDRRMO has urged motorists to utilize alternative routes to avoid the closed area. The municipal government issued a formal advisory stating, \"As of this moment, NOT PASSABLE po ang BAGUMBAYAN-SNA Road due to Landslide at Sitio Little Baguio in Barangay Chua, B.S.K.\"