Editorial

This month the nation marked Elderly Filipino Week from Oct. 1 to 7. Its theme, supposedly meant to recognize the contributions of senior citizens to nation building and promote their well-being, was “Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose.” There was no dignity or purpose for the wards …

The Pasig River, once declared biologically dead, is experiencing a remarkable revival through the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) program. This ambitious initiative, launched in 2023, is now receiving global recognition—earning the 2025 United Nations Asian Townscape Award for its contribution to sustainable urban development. The award, to be formally …

After an ethics probe, Manila Councilor Ryan Ponce has been ordered suspended for 60 days by the City Council. This was upon the recommendation of the council’s committee on ethics, which investigated a complaint of sexual harassment hurled against Ponce by his fellow neophyte Councilor Eunice Castro. Ponce, a councilor …

In a rare and promising move toward transparency, President Marcos has announced that the bicameral deliberations of the proposed 2026 national budget will be livestreamed. This development—finalized after consultations with Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and House Speaker Faustino “Bogie” Dy III—may appear technical, even mundane to the untrained …

Ordinary people wait in long lines even in emergency wards to get medical care in government hospitals. Whether in crowded urban centers or in rural areas, there is a clear need for more health facilities all over the country. So it is dismaying to see images of what is supposed …

With the magnitude of the corruption problem that has come to light, it may be difficult for the public to swallow the idea that contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah Discaya and some of the other major players in the flood control scandal will be allowed to turn state witness. …

We join the global call for collective action to build a food-secure and sustainable future as the world marks World Food Day on Oct. 16. This year’s theme, “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future,” carries a message that resonates deeply with the Philippines — a country …

The passage of the proposed ₱6.793‑trillion national budget for 2026 in the House of Representatives is Congress’ wager for redemption more than an annual undertaking. In an era still stained by the specter of the anomalous flood‑control projects and murky budget insertions, this bold spending framework offers a chance to …

After five long years, new Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has reversed an order of his unlamented predecessor, which effectively ended public access to the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of government officials. SALNs were routinely made accessible to the media until Samuel Martires was appointed ombudsman by then …

While drawing up the procedures for public access to government officials’ asset statements, the Office of the Ombudsman is planning to revive the deputization of resident ombudsmen in agencies deemed to be graft-prone. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said an earlier agreement allowed the office to deputize state prosecutors under the …