Palace hits VP’s criticism of education, cites her tenure as DepEd chief

August 20, 2025 | 7:53 pm

Students-classroom — Students answer test questions at a state high school in Manila. — REUTERS

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday pushed back against Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio’s remarks that the Philippines is lagging behind other countries in education, saying her criticisms mirror her own shortcomings as former secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“She was given the chance and the trust of the President for two years to serve as Education secretary,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino. “Whatever her complaints are now, they only reflect her failure during her tenure.”

Ms. Duterte, who led DepEd from 2022 to 2024, said during a recent trip to Kuwait that Filipino students remain “stuck with paper and pencil,” citing the country’s outdated learning system.

She stepped down last year, citing “genuine concern” for teachers and youth. Her resignation was followed by allegations of public fund misuse, which led to her impeachment trial that the Supreme Court has since declared void.

Ms. Castro assured students and teachers that Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara is tackling the sector’s long-standing problems.

She cited the recent distribution of 1.5 million laptops, tablets and other learning tools that had remained idle since 2020 but were released to schools only this year under Mr. Angara.

The Philippines continues to face what experts call a deep learning crisis. International assessments, including the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), have consistently ranked Filipino learners among the lowest globally in reading, mathematics and science.

Studies also show that nine out of 10 Filipino 10-year-olds can’t read simple texts with comprehension, a benchmark measure of learning poverty.

Weak teacher support, resource shortages and fragmented governance have compounded these challenges despite significant state investments in education reforms.

Analysts have warned that the crisis threatens to widen inequality and leave much of the country’s workforce ill-prepared for the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Ms. Castro said the Marcos government is trying to address systemic gaps, adding that Mr. Angara’s leadership aims to modernize teaching and learning systems while maximizing available resources. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PAL opens Siargao flights via Clark, Cebu

August 20, 2025 | 7:52 pm

Siargao---cloud-9-view-deck-BW-FILE-MFJARA — BW FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (pal) is expanding its domestic network with additional flights to Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte via Clark and Cebu, the flag carrier said on Wednesday.

“Granting Siargao alternative air connections via Clark and Cebu addresses the appeal for air access and encourages local tourism and economic activity,” PAL Express President Rabbi Vincent L. Ang said in a statement.

The expansion leverages the attractiveness of Clark International Airport, which PAL said is conveniently located and accessible for most travelers.

“This route provides a suitable alternative for accessing the island, giving visitors more options to meet their travel needs,” the airline added.

PAL will continue its direct Manila-Siargao flights while offering the new Clark-Siargao service three times a week, complementing its Clark flights to Cebu four times weekly and Boracay three times weekly.

The carrier launched Clark-Siargao flights on Dec. 3 as part of its domestic growth strategy, which also maintains daily flights to Siargao from Manila and Cebu.

The move aims to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic activity on Siargao Island by giving travelers more convenient access to the island. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Aussie Defense chief to visit PHL

August 20, 2025 | 7:52 pm

AUSTRALIAN Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles will visit the Philippines and Malaysia this week to further strengthen Australia’s defense partnerships in the region, its Department of Defense said in a statement posted on its website.

In the Philippines, Mr. Marles will advance cooperation and mutual trust at the second Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.

During his visit, he will also meet Australian personnel participating in Exercise Alon 25, Australia’s biggest overseas joint training activity this year.

In Malaysia, he will participate in the fifth Malaysia-Australia High Level Committee on Defense Cooperation with Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.

Australia and Malaysia share a long-standing military relationship, including through the Five Power Defense Arrangements, reflecting their commitment to regional peace and stability. — NPA

Marcos reviewing Konektado bill

August 20, 2025 | 7:51 pm

digital-laptop — STOCK PHOTO | Image from Freepik

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has yet to decide whether to sign the Konektadong Pinoy bill, which aims to boost nationwide internet access, with the Aug. 24 deadline for it to lapse into law fast approaching.

The President is still reviewing its provisions, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters on Wednesday, declining to say which parts of the measure were under scrutiny. “It’s better to review everything.”

The bill, transmitted to Malacañang last month, seeks to expand the country’s digital infrastructure and ensure affordable internet services. If unsigned, it will automatically become law.

Telecommunication companies have raised concerns about regulatory gaps, exemptions for satellite operators and uneven compliance obligations.

Civil society and digital rights advocates, meanwhile, back the measure as key to bridging connectivity gaps, with almost half of Philippine villages still lacking internet access. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Palace: Robin drug bill illegal

August 20, 2025 | 7:51 pm

drug-test-PHILSTAR-FILE-MIGUEL-DE-GUZMAN — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday raised constitutional concerns over Senator Robinhood C. Padilla’s proposal to require annual mandatory drug testing for all elected and appointed government officials.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro cited the Supreme Court’s 2008 ruling in Social Justice Society vs. Dangerous Drugs Board, which struck down universal mandatory testing as unconstitutional and a violation of privacy rights.

“When we say everyone, that means universal testing,” she told reporters in Filipino. “What is allowed is only random drug testing.”

She cautioned the senator against pushing the measure without reviewing jurisprudence. “Senator Robin Padilla might just waste time and public funds. He should first study the measure he wants to propose.”

Ms. Castro said this does not mean Malacañang is entirely opposed to the proposal but said it could contradict existing law.

Mr. Padilla filed the bill after accusations that one of his staff members used marijuana in a Senate restroom last week. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Marcos OKs NBI chief’s resignation

August 20, 2025 | 7:50 pm

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., has accepted the resignation of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime B. Santiago, his office said on Wednesday.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said no shortlist of candidates has been drawn up, but said the bureau’s work and probes would proceed uninterrupted.

Mr. Santiago, who resigned on Aug. 15, will stay in office until a replacement is named, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).

In his resignation, he cited alleged attempts by people with “sinister interests” to tarnish his reputation.

The NBI, an attached agency of the DoJ, is tasked with handling high-profile cases, providing law enforcement support and delivering forensic services. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Budget transparency pushed

August 20, 2025 | 7:50 pm

road-construction-workers — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE SENATE should allow local officials to take part in budget discussions to ensure the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for next year addresses grassroots needs, Senate President Francis G. Escudero said on Wednesday.

He suggested that governors, mayors and other local government executives be invited to the chamber to contribute to deliberations, helping to reduce wasteful spending and flag budget items prone to corruption.

“They have been sidelined for too long,” he said in a statement. “It is now time to give them a seat at the table.”

The call comes amid a push to improve transparency in the budget process, after allegations of congressional insertions in this year’s spending plan.

Mr. Escudero said local leaders could help “vet and verify” whether proposed projects meet community needs.

“The perspectives of leaders on the ground are invaluable in determining which projects are necessary and which are not,” he said. “They can also help flag possible overpricing in the appropriations being requested.” — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

P455-M shabu seized in Zamboanga

August 20, 2025 | 7:49 pm

COTABATO CITY — Police and military agents intercepted 67 kilos of crystal meth (shabu) worth P455 million in Zamboanga City on Tuesday night, leading to the arrest of two suspected couriers.

Authorities arrested the driver and his companion, who was injured after their Toyota Hilux plunged into a ravine in the village of Bunguiao during a police chase, according to officials of the Police Regional Office in Region IX.

Brigadier General Eleazar P. Maata, director of the Police Regional Office in the Zamboanga Peninsula, said the two would face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police said the suspects were delivering the contraband to contacts in the city. The operation, carried out jointly by police in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Western Mindanao Command, was based on intelligence from tipsters. — John Felix M. Unson

BIR files cases vs vape sellers

August 20, 2025 | 7:48 pm

vape-smoke — PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUSSELL PALMA

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed 75 criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against people and businesses involved in the illegal trade of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products or vape.

The cases represent a total tax liability of P711.3 million, it said in an e-mailed statement.

“This is a nationwide filing,” Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. Said. “Revenue regions from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are filing their own local criminal cases right now.”

He added that the agency had targeted major illicit vape sellers and warned that other disobedient retailers would face similar action.

The filings were conducted simultaneously by BIR national and regional offices across the country as part of the bureau’s intensified campaign against tax evasion and to ensure full compliance from vape establishments.

The cases follow a series of BIR enforcement operations involving raids and inspections, which uncovered widespread sales of untaxed vape products.

Violations included products lacking internal revenue stamps or proper BIR registration. Significant quantities of illicit vape products were seized and confiscated during these operations, BIR said. — NPA

PVL Invitational kicks off with team PLDT facing Chery Tiggo

August 20, 2025 | 6:52 pm

PVL ON TOUR CHAMPION PLDT High Speed Hitters — PVL.PH

Games on Friday
(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. – Cignal vs Creamline
6:30 p.m. – PLDT vs Chery Tiggo

THE Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational unfurls on Friday with the top four teams of the PVL on Tour headed by eventual champion PLDT seeing action at the PhilSports Arena.

The High Speed Hitters, just a few days after claiming their breakthrough crown in the league, plunge back into action versus the same team they beat in that epic finale — the Chery Tiggo Crossovers — at 6:30 p.m.

Preceding the marquee matchup is another interesting showdown between PVL on Tour third placer Creamline and Cignal at 4 p.m.

“It’s a fresh start,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, whose team spent the last three days resting and reenergizing for another chance of snaring a title.

And that opportunity will be there for the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise, which has a legitimate chance of adding another feather in its cap.

“We’re going to try our best again to win,” said PLDT middle blocker Mika Reyes, who was named PVL on Tour Finals MVP after her sterling 20-point effort that was highlighted by her seven blocks.

The short, six-team showcase will also have guest squads from Japan in Kobe Shinwa University and Kurashiki Ablaze, which face off on Saturday at the same Pasig venue.

Kurashiki should be a team to be reckoned with after topping this conference two years back.

Also expected to draw attention is Creamline, the defending champion that will set out for a 19^th straight podium finish.

The Cool Smashers have this magnificent streak where they have never failed to bring home a medal since joining the league eight years ago.

In all, the dynastic franchise has harvested a total of 10 championships, four second-place performances and the same number of third-place efforts. — Joey Villar

UP’s recruit passed away after collapsing in practice

August 20, 2025 | 6:51 pm

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES’ (UP) newest recruit Israel Osamudiame on Friday has passed away after collapsing in practice, the Fighting Maroons announced in a statement on Wednesday.

A transferee from Centro Escolar University (CEU), the Nigerian big man was immediately brought to the nearest hospital after suddenly falling down last Tuesday during training in Diliman but did not make it despite efforts of the medical personnel.

He was 19, about to turn 20 on Sept. 6 prior to the unfortunate incident a month ahead of UP’s title retention campaign in UAAP Season 88.

Last month, Gilas Pilipinas girls and National University Lady Bullpups player Ashlyn Abong also died after collapsing in practice. She was 18.

A native of Abuja, Nigeria, the 6-foot-10 on Friday served as the anchor of the CEU Scorpions in the University and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) last season before taking his talents to Diliman.

He’s serving a one year residency to prepare as UP’s foreign student-athlete (FSA) in Season 89 next year in lieu of current FSA and fellow Nigerian Francis Nnoruka.

Dickachi Udodo, also a Nigerian center, served as UP’s FSA in Season 87 when it reclaimed the crown against champion De La Salle University in three games for its second title in four straight finals appearances.

“UP is in close contact with his family and is extending its full support during this difficult time. The exact cause of his death is still being determined, and the university asks everyone to respect the privacy of his family, as they grieve this tragic loss,” said UP.

UP is coming off a productive campaign in the World University Basketball Series in Japan after completing a three-peat feat in the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18^th Preseason Cup and winning the Marty Cup 2025 Battle of Champions pocket tournament in Tacloban, Leyte. — John Bryan Ulanday

Gilas women U23 leads cast of Pilipinas United 3×3 League

August 20, 2025 | 6:51 pm

GILAS Pilipinas women U23 squad banners the cast as the inaugural Pilipinas United 3×3 League (PUL) gets going this weekend at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Back-to-back UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo will lead the fight for the Nationals against top local clubs like the Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas.

Foreign teams Maurice Lacroix of Japan, Harimau Black and Yellow of Malaysia, Hanoi 3×3 By Amigos and Singapore’s Jumpshot are also in the fray.

The tournament is part of Gilas’ preparations for the 2025 FIBA U23 3×3 World Cup in September in China after winning the Asia Pacific 1 Division last June.

Joining Ms. Dela Rosa are Kristine Cayabyab, Cheska Apag and Elaine Etang for also a shot at $3,000 cash prize in the historic tourney backed by Smart and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Meanwhile, 12 teams slug it out in the men’s division led by Celebrity David Licauco’s Taho Story A, powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard and dunker David Carlos’ Activate Sports.

AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris and Taho Story B are the other local teams duking it out against international teams Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla of Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia.

At stake is a $5,000 cash prize plus a ticket to FIBA 3×3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October for the champion squad with the top local team earning a spot in the FIBA 3×3 Manila Challenger spot in September.

“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to create new avenues for athletes to unite communities and to push Philippine basketball to even greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano, joined by League co-founder Andrew Combate, in the league announcement. — John Bryan Ulanday