Party-list reform bill filed

January 12, 2026 | 8:36 pm

House-congress — PHILIPPINE STAR/KJ ROSALES

A SENATOR on Monday filed a measure that will reform the country’s party-list system by barring political dynasties and contractors from running for elective positions, aimed at countering alleged corruption in the party-list system.

Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel filed Senate Bill No. 1656, which proposes to bar spouses or relatives of an elected official within the fourth degree of consanguinity from running as a party-list member.

It also prohibits any party-list representatives from holding government contracts, serving as an official of a company that is involved in state projects, or possessing beneficial ownership of a firm involved in government projects.

“This bill aims to reclaim the voice of ordinary Filipinos who’ve been shut out of power because of abusive personalities who are using the party-list system as a backdoor to power,” Ms. Hontiveros said in a separate statement.

This followed findings in congressional inquiries that some party-list representatives were allegedly benefiting from government projects.

“This blatant conflict of interest has no place in a democracy. After decades of abuse and loopholes, the sweeping reforms proposed in these bills hope to hand the reins back to everyday Filipinos,” Ms. Hontiveros said.

The proposed measure also seeks to remove the three-seat limit for party-list representatives, enabling “full democratic and proportional representation.”

It also proposes a new formula for determining the allocation of seats for party-lists representatives. Under the proposal, the number of votes obtained by a party-list will be multiplied by the available seats and divided by the total number of valid votes cast.

The bill also bans the registration of party-list organizations that are patterned after television or radio programs, government assistance programs, or the names of public officials, celebrities, and other public figures.

The senator added that this would ensure that the system remains focused on genuine sectoral representation.

Meanwhile, a counterpart measure was filed by congressmen on Monday, which likewise removes the three-seat limit on party-list groups and ban nominees that have links to government deals, all while prohibiting representatives part of a political family.

“This measure seeks to re-establish the constitutional intent of the party-list system — a clear opportunity to democratize political power from the elite few to the people,” authors Party-list Reps. Jose Manuel Tadeo I. Diokno, Percival V. Cendaña, Dadah Kiram Ismula and Kaka Bag-ao said in the measure’s explanatory note.

The Philippine party-list system was created by the 1987 Constitution, with its framers seeing the system as allowing underrepresented sectors to participate in the lawmaking process. It has since been expanded in 2013 after the Supreme Court ruled that political parties could also participate in the party-list system. — Adrian H. Halili and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

BoC seizes P114.5-M illegal drugs

January 12, 2026 | 8:36 pm

drugs-customs — BUREAU OF CUSTOMS OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

OVER P100 million worth of illegal drugs disguised as malachite stones from Congo were seized by the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BoC-NAIA) on Thursday.

The Customs said its investigation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group revealed four boxes containing nearly 17 kilograms of suspected illegal drugs valued at P114.566 million.

“The shipment, declared as malachite stones and originating from Congo, was flagged during X-ray inspection after exhibiting suspicious images,” the BoC said in a statement on Monday. “It was subsequently subjected to verification and a 100% physical examination.”

The authorities did not specify the said drugs.

According to the BoC, the shipment violates Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, and RA No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“This is not just about enforcement. It is about protecting our communities,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said in a statement. “The Bureau will remain relentless in screening, inspecting, and stopping illegal drugs at our borders,” the commissioner said.

Meanwhile, BoC-NAIA District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa noted that interagency coordination helped uncover the incident.

“This result highlights the value of strict risk profiling and close coordination among enforcement units and partner agencies,” she said. “Our personnel remain alert and ready to act on any shipment that poses a threat to public safety.”

The PDEA has taken custody of the confiscated drugs and involved parties, which it will manage for proper disposition and further investigation. — Katherine K. Chan

DENR orders shutdown of Binaliw landfill after deadly trash slide

January 12, 2026 | 8:35 pm

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it has ordered the immediate suspension of operations at the Binaliw Sanitary Landfill in Cebu City following a trash slide on Jan. 8 that killed eight people and injured several others.

In a statement on Monday, the DENR said its Environmental Management Bureau office in Region VII imposed a cease-and-desist order (CDO) on Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc. (PIWSI), which operates the landfill, following the findings of an inspection conducted on Jan. 9.

The CDO directs PIWSI to stop all landfill operations, including the acceptance of waste, except for rescue, retrieval, and cleanup activities undertaken in coordination with concerned agencies.

The DENR said PIWSI has been summoned to a technical conference to establish the facts surrounding the incident and to execute compliance measures within a period not exceeding 90 days.

In an earlier statement, the company said it is working with relevant government agencies and the local government unit to provide assistance and support to those affected by the incident.

The DENR said it is also coordinating with concerned local government units and will assess the status of their required 10-year solid waste management plans and existing oversight measures, as part of efforts to prevent similar incidents.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy said on Monday it had deployed rescuers to a central province to bolster search and rescue operations after a landfill avalanche killed and injured several others, four days after the incident.

The navy sent a search, rescue and retrieval team to Cebu to assist local authorities in looking for survivors, saying the unit is specially trained and equipped with technical rescue tools to augment operations.

“This deployment highlights the steadfast commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in support of local government units and impacted communities,” it said in a statement.

A mound of garbage at a landfill in the village of Binaliw, Cebu City collapsed on Jan. 8, burying or trapping several people. Rescue efforts are underway, with local authorities saying the death toll has risen to eight while 28 remain missing. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Nearly 1.19M register for BSKE

January 12, 2026 | 8:34 pm

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Monday that voter registration for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) has reached almost 1.19 million as of Jan. 11.

The figures include both Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) applicants aged 15 to 17 and regular applicants aged 18 and above.

Among SK registrants, new applications totaled 266,993, while transfers from other cities or municipalities reached 1,093, transfers within the same locality were 363, and correction entries accounted for 3,604, bringing the total number of new youth registrants to 272,053.

For regular applicants, registration numbered 324,536, with transfers from other localities at 340,999, reinstatements at 1,320, transfers within the same locality at 73,582, and various other categories — including reactivation and correction of entries — adding up to a total of 915,062 new adult registrants.

Of the total, the gender breakdown shows a higher proportion of female registered voters with 629,863, compared to 557,252 males. These figures were recorded across all registration sites nationwide, according to the Comelec data.

Region-wise, the Calabarzon Region led with 244,836 new registered voters, followed by the Metro Manila with 141,005, and Central Luzon with 138,683 registrants.

Registration is ongoing nationwide and will close on May 18, 2026.

The village and youth council polls, originally slated for Dec. 1, 2025, was moved to the first Monday of November 2026 following the enactment of Republic Act No. 12232 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Most of private sector’s 250,000 target units to be built this year, DHSUD says

January 12, 2026 | 8:34 pm

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) expects a majority of the 250,000 housing units promised by private contractors to be built this year.

Senior Undersecretary Henry L. Yap said the private sector commitments made last year are scheduled for construction this year, after the DHSUD and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development jointly issued the price adjustment.

“We foresee that most of that will be implemented this year,” he told a Palace briefing.

Progress under the government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program has been slower than planned, with about 2,000 to 3,000 units completed or taken out over the past two years, Mr. Yap said.

The government aims to build 1.133 million housing units before President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ends his term in 2028.

Mr. Yap noted that delays often arise after construction due to beneficiary matching and documentation requirements before units can be delivered.

To address bottlenecks and expand coverage, the housing department has rolled out an “expanded” 4PH program that shifts from a production-driven to a beneficiary-centric model.

Under the revised framework, beneficiaries are no longer limited to vertical housing such as condominium units but may now choose horizontal house-and-lot packages or even lot-only options, provided they qualify for subsidies. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Senate bill backs local bidders in gov’t projects

January 12, 2026 | 8:34 pm

A BILL seeking to give preference for domestic bidders participating in government projects has been filed at the Senate, aiming to channel billions of pesos in public spending toward domestic enterprises, workers, and communities.

“This measure aims to ensure that the billions spent annually by the government on procurement benefit not just public institutions but also local enterprises, workers, and communities,” Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said in the explanatory note of Senate Bill No. 1602.

The measure seeks to create a certification program for local bidders and provide them with an advantage when participating in government procurement projects.

Mr. Villanueva added that there is a lack of a standardized system that would certify and prioritize domestic bidders.

The proposed domestic bidders’ certificate will be valid for two years and will be issued and regulated under the Trade department’s Competitiveness Bureau.

The regulator will conduct an ocular inspection on the sites where the goods for bidding were grown, produced or manufactured.

Prospective bidders may only be granted certificates when the goods, supplies, or materials offered for bidding are substantially grown, produced, or manufactured in the country.

“By giving preference to Filipino suppliers and producers, the State strengthens domestic industries, generates quality jobs, and builds economic resilience, especially in the countryside,” the senator added. — Adrian H. Halili

Baguio ushers in Panagbenga 2026 with renewed bloom

January 12, 2026 | 8:33 pm

BAGUIO CITY — Again, Baguio City burst into bloom as it officially launched the 2026 Baguio Flower Festival, or Panagbenga, following the flag-raising ceremony at the Baguio City Hall grounds on Monday morning.

City officials, together with the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI), unveiled an exciting lineup of activities for what marks the festival’s milestone 30^th edition.

Carrying the theme “Blooming Without End,” Panagbenga 2026 celebrates three decades of collaboration between the local government, the BFFFI, and the people of Baguio.

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong describes Panagbenga as a symbol of Baguio’s resilience and continuous renewal. “This festival shows that Baguio continues to grow, progress, and prosper — no matter the challenges,” Mr. Magalong said, inviting everyone to experience the city’s rich heritage and warm Cordilleran culture.

First held in 1996, Panagbenga was born in the aftermath of the devastating 1990 Luzon earthquake. Conceived by lawyer Damaso E. Bangaoet, Jr., the festival sought to revive Baguio’s tourism and economy and help the city rise from the rubble.

BFFFI “Chairman for Life” and Baguio City Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan reminded the public that despite its evolution into a world-class event, Panagbenga’s humble beginnings should never be forgotten.

Panagbenga 2026 officially opens on Feb. 1 with a vibrant opening parade. Festival highlights — the much-anticipated Grand Street Dancing Parade and Grand Float Parade — are set for Feb. 28 and March 1, respectively, promising color, creativity, and celebration.

PANAGBENGA’S QUIET HEART
City Councilor Jose Molintas says behind the Panagbenga spectacle is a timely question surfacing among them at the City Council — Which flower truly represents Baguio? The Ibaloi local legislator said “for many Cordillerans, the answer has always grown freely along mountain roads — the Wild Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia).”

“Because more than a bloom, the wild sunflower is a survivor. It thrives without pampering, holds mountain soil in place, and turns the highlands gold and green from November to February.”

For locals, like him, Mr. Molintas said, the wild sunflower or “marapait” (in the local dialect) is “stitched into childhood memories — used to shine classroom floors, wax wooden sleds for downhill races, and even clean scraped knees after a fall.”

Its value goes beyond nostalgia, Mr. Molintas said. The wild sunflower protects steep slopes from erosion, enriches farms as natural fertilizer, and produces no waste — its leaves, stems, and even dried flower heads are all reused, he added. “It gives long after its petals fall.”

Ever blooming flowers may be what Panagbenga proudly shows the world, “but the wild sunflower is what quietly sustains the mountains,” Mr. Molintas said, insisting, as Panagbenga celebrates “Blooming Without End,” many are asking if it’s time this resilient flower finally receives the recognition it deserves. — Artemio A. Dumlao

EDSA Busway seen carrying over 70 million riders this year

January 12, 2026 | 8:13 pm

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) expects the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway to carry more than 70 million passengers this year, reflecting greater efficiencies due to modernization.

“We anticipate to increase the ridership by 5% to 10% in view of the new policies, programs and infrastructure that are set in place,” Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said via Viber on Monday.

The DoTr reported rider volume of 66.67 million in 2025, up 5.79%.

“From 66 million passengers per annum, we are optimistic of breaching the 70 million mark this year,” he said.

The DoTr said that the EDSA Busway recorded a single-day peak of 321,186 in April, with December being the highest-volume month at 6.53 million.

The DoTr will continue modernizing and rehabilitating the EDSA Busway amid rising passenger demand, Mr. Lopez said.

Since its launch in June 2020, the EDSA Busway has served 341.31 million passengers.

The DoTr is also working on the expansion of the EDSA Busway, it said, with three more stations set to start construction within the first quarter.

The additional stations are in Cubao, Magallanes and Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), the DoTr said, adding that the new stations are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter.

In a notice of award dated Dec. 29, 2025, the DoTr awarded the P251.06-million contract for the design and construction of the new busway stations and footbridges to Unimasters Conglomeration, Inc.

The EDSA Busway, a dedicated bus lane along Metro Manila’s main ring road, currently has 21 stations operating round-the-clock.

In a separate statement on Monday, the DoTr said it is also ramping up upgrades at PITX after the terminal recorded foot traffic of 60.28 million in 2025, up 16.91%.

In December, PITX served 5.69 million passengers, of which 3.43 million were logged during the Christmas and New Year Holiday period.

“The DoTr and PITX are fully prepared for the increase in the number of passengers using the terminal. We will ensure that there is an adequate supply of buses and smooth operations at PITX, along with strengthened security for a better travel experience for our passengers,” Mr. Lopez said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

PHL sugar exports to US of 100,000 MT approved

January 12, 2026 | 8:13 pm

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it approved the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) plan to export 100,000 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the US, citing the need to reduce excess domestic supply and support farmgate prices.

Domestic sugar production rose by about 130,000 MT in the last crop year, which has resulted in a buildup in inventory.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said allocating part of the harvest for export will happen “as soon as possible to provide the industry immediate relief.”

Exports will be carried out under the US tariff-rate quota system, which typically offers higher prices than the world market. The Philippine allocation for the current season is 100,000 MT, which is a reduction from the original quota of 143,000 MT after delays in the Philippines’ participation.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona said the approval to export reflects improved production levels and is needed to rebalance supply and demand.

“The volume exported is growing as well, from 33,000 tons to 66,000, and now 100,000 tons. The last two years, exports of raw sugar have helped increase our farmer prices. This year, this is a much-needed step that our farmers need,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

Mr. Azcona also flagged a sharp rise in imports of artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes, which he said have reached volumes equivalent to more than 500,000 MT of raw sugar.

He said these substitutes have diluted demand for domestically produced sugar and helped weaken prices.

Mr. Laurel said the DA is monitoring imports of artificial sweeteners and may consider regulating their entry if market disruptions persist.

He added that the Department of Health may be asked to review the public health implications of widespread use of intense sweetening agents, citing guidance from the World Health Organization.

The DA said the decision to export to the US is intended as a short-term measure to address supply imbalances, while longer-term policy adjustments may be needed to stabilize prices.

The DA and the SRA have extended the moratorium on sugar imports until December this year to protect domestic producers. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

E-vehicle industry seeks restoration of funding for CARS, RACE programs

January 12, 2026 | 8:13 pm

electric vehicle-wc — THE Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. expects electric vehicle sales to increase by 7% to 20,000 units this year. — REUTERS

THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) urged the government to restore the vetoed funding for automotive industry incentive programs, citing the role of the broader automotive manufacturing industry in the success of electric vehicles (EV).

In a statement on Monday, the group stressed the importance of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) and the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) programs, for which fiscal support was subjected to a Palace veto when the President signed the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

“CARS and RACE were designed to rebuild vehicle assembly volumes, strengthen parts manufacturing, and ensure policy continuity for the automotive sector,” the group said.

“Industry groups have warned that without these programs, the Philippines risks falling further behind Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) neighbors that continue to invest heavily in automotive and EV manufacturing as strategic industries,” it added.

It said that even with recent policy initiatives that promote EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and clean energy integration, “the transition to electric mobility cannot succeed in isolation and must be anchored on a competitive and resilient domestic automotive manufacturing base.”

“The EV industry does not exist in a vacuum …Electric vehicles are still vehicles,” EVAP President Edmund A. Araga said.

“They rely on the same manufacturing ecosystem, supply chains, skilled workers, and industrial infrastructure that support conventional automotive production. If the automotive industry weakens, the EV sector will struggle to scale,” he added.

According to EVAP, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam leverage their strong internal combustion engine manufacturing base in accelerating EV production.

“These countries did not leap directly into EVs without first building scale and capability in traditional automotive manufacturing,” it added.

EVAP said vehicle assembly and parts manufacturers are critical enablers of EV growth, as they also support the production of automotive components like wiring harnesses, electronics, body parts, thermal systems, and eventually batteries and electronics.

“Without sufficient production volume and government support, these investments become difficult to justify,” it added.

The group said that the government should implement a balanced and integrated industrial policy that will support both conventional and electric vehicles.

“We commend the President for his clear support for renewable energy and electric vehicles,” Mr. Araga said. “

“At the same time, we respectfully urge the government to view CARS and RACE as complementary to the EV roadmap. Supporting local automotive manufacturing today strengthens our ability to build EVs locally tomorrow,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

LPG refilling-plant standards set for updating

January 12, 2026 | 8:13 pm

THE Department of Energy (DoE) is seeking comment on the proposal to update the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling plants, citing the need to stay compliant with national regulations, international codes, and industry practices.

“This standard has therefore been prepared to align with recognized national regulations, international codes, and best engineering practices, considering lessons learned from past industry experiences and the evolving technologies in LPG handling and storage,” the DoE said in a draft.

PNS DoE 02:2025 will amend and replace PNS FS 2:2018, which was issued through the Bureau of Philippine Standards.

The new version expands the scope of the earlier standard by covering the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and safety practices of LPG refilling plants, applying to both existing and newly constructed facilities.

It also adopts globally recognized engineering and safety protocols by complying with high-level international codes for critical aspects of LPG refilling plant operations.

Rino E. Abad, chairman of the technical committee on petroleum processes and facilities, said via Viber that the revised PNS for LPG refilling plant incorporates safety practices. The earlier version only focused on facility standards.

The prospective upgrades include installation of warning signs and safety signage, rules for wearing personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to hazards, and illnesses, and training on proper cylinder handling and refilling.

The new standard also provides clearer guidance for plant layout, operations, and safety practices.

“The LPG industry plays a vital role in supporting energy demand for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. With this significance comes the responsibility to maintain the highest levels of safety and operational integrity,” the DoE said.

Comments may be submitted on the draft PNS before Feb. 18. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Industry group seeks zonal value review after expulsion of POGOs

January 12, 2026 | 8:13 pm

Pogo singage-guard — A sign protesting the presence of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is seen at a posh residential village in Muntinlupa City, July 13, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI) said the government needs to review property zonal values which had been artificially inflated by the now-banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“Property prices were artificially driven up during the previous administration when POGOs were actively encouraged to operate in the country, triggering a surge in demand for residential and commercial spaces,” FPI Chairman Emeritus Jesus L. Arranza said in a statement on Monday.

“Developers, both large and small, capitalized on the influx of foreign workers and gaming firms by raising selling and rental prices, creating a distorted real estate market,” he added.

He said that the economic managers and tax authorities should conduct an “immediate, transparent review of zonal valuations” especially in areas that were heavily affected by the POGO boom, to ensure that property taxes are equitable and aligned with present-day market conditions.

He said POGO-driven property price increases were “not organic” but rather “fueled by government policy that allowed POGOs to flourish.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. banned all offshore gaming operations in his State of the Nation Address in 2024.

The zonal value determines how much property owners have to pay in various national and local taxes, including capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, value-added tax, donor’s tax, and registration fees, real property tax, special education fund tax, and ad valorem tax on idle land.

“Ordinary citizens are burdened with disproportionately high taxes even when market conditions have already shifted downward following the departure of POGOs,” he said.

“We, the citizens, are being made to suffer because we continue to pay higher taxes and fees related to property ownership, including estate tax for those who have lost a family member,” he added.

He said that the government should immediately recalibrate the zonal value to reflect current market realities as the resulting excessive tax obligations may discourage investments, weaken the real estate industry, and strain household finances.

“The exit of POGOs has clearly changed the landscape … The government must recognize this shift and act accordingly,” he said.

“Adjusting zonal values is… about fairness, accuracy, and protecting citizens from the unintended consequences of past policies,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile