Speaker Dy Supports Public Disclosure of Lawmakers' Asset Declarations

House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has expressed strong support for making the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of the members of the House of Representatives accessible to the public. In a recent interview, Dy emphasized that transparency is essential to restoring public trust. "I believe it is crucial for our constituents to see the SALNs of all members not only within the House but across Congress. Openness in these declarations will help rebuild trust among our fellow citizens," Dy stated. When questioned about his personal stance on disclosing his own SALN, Dy responded affirmatively, saying, "Yes, if it is required to show my SALN, I have no objections." The SALN is a legally mandated sworn statement that public officials and employees must submit, outlining their assets, liabilities, and overall net worth. This declaration also includes the financial interests and business involvements of their spouses and unmarried children under the age of eighteen. Speaker Dy's advocacy reflects a growing call for greater accountability and transparency within government institutions.

Senators Lacson and Marcoleta Engage in Heated Exchange During Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Tuesday, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Rodante Marcoleta were involved in a heated dispute following allegations by Marcoleta regarding the investigation’s impartiality. The confrontation emerged after Marcoleta criticized Lacson for allegedly prejudging witness credibility in favor of former DPWH engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez over contractors Pacifico "Curlee" and Cezarah "Sarah" Discaya. Marcoleta referenced a recent interview where Lacson expressed that Hernandez’s testimony was more credible than that of the Discayas. Lacson clarified that his remarks represented a personal opinion made outside the official hearing, stating, "That’s my personal opinion outside of the hearing or outside of this hall. So, don’t question my opinion." Despite this, Marcoleta insisted that such public comments undermined the investigation's neutrality. The disagreement escalated, prompting Lacson to temporarily suspend the session to manage the rising tension. During the recess, the senators exchanged sharp words. Lacson challenged Marcoleta on why he appeared to defend the Discayas, to which Marcoleta responded, "I am not protecting them. Buti sinabi mo ‘yan, Mr. Chair. Pwede ba nating i-record ito? Palagi niyong sinasabi I am protective of the Discayas. When I was chairman of this committee, sinabi ko na sa inyo, the only remedy provided under the law is for them to apply, if they qualify, under the process of witness protection program. That’s all what I did." Ignoring this response, Lacson ordered the continuation of the hearing, directing former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara to read his sworn statement. Marcoleta persisted with his objections, stating, "I will register my continuing objection, Mr. Chair. I will question the objectivity of these proceedings if you will not allow me to raise these points. Maybe in the plenary this afternoon, I will raise it." Senators Vicente Sotto III and Ronald dela Rosa intervened by approaching Marcoleta in an effort to ease the conflict. It is notable that Marcoleta briefly chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee at the start of the 20th Congress, until Lacson succeeded him following the appointment of Sotto as Senate president, replacing Francis Escudero.

Bryson DeChambeau's Dedication Boosts U.S. Ryder Cup Team Spirit at Bethpage Black

Bryson DeChambeau, although a competitor on the rival LIV Golf tour, has shown exceptional dedication to bonding with his U.S. Ryder Cup teammates ahead of this week’s matches at Bethpage Black. The only LIV player on a squad predominantly composed of PGA Tour members, DeChambeau earned his place on the team through impressive major championship performances but seldom competes alongside his teammates during the regular season. Undeterred by their differing schedules, DeChambeau has gone the extra mile—literally—to integrate with the team. Recently, he traveled cross-country to Napa, California, to join team activities while the other players participated in a PGA Tour event. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley acknowledged DeChambeau’s commitment, stating, \"This is a tough thing for him, to come into guys that he doesn’t see every day, full of PGA Tour players, but he’s done an exceptional job of making the extra effort. He’s made every effort possible and been incredible in the team room.\" Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, who has partnered with DeChambeau before, praised his teammate’s enthusiasm, saying, \"He’s a great guy and a good friend and he’s been great in our team room. He brings a lot of energy, the people love him, and I think he loves the opportunity to be able to represent his country.\" Patrick Cantlay, renowned for his dependable match-play performance, expressed relief that the powerful hitter is on their side, adding, \"I was watching him hit drivers on the range the other day, and I’m glad he’s on our side. He’s a showman out there. I think he’s going to get the crowd fired up.\" World number four Xander Schauffele highlighted DeChambeau’s potential impact on the atmosphere at Bethpage Black. \"If he views himself as a gladiator golfer, this is as good as it gets. His points might hit harder than maybe my points, for example, just because of how he might celebrate and get these fans into this tournament quickly,\" Schauffele commented. Ryder Cup newcomer Russell Henley revealed he has enjoyed exchanging insights with DeChambeau this week, despite limited recent collaboration, while U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun commended the considerable effort the big hitter has made to assimilate. Bradley also suggested that DeChambeau’s passionate style and flair for engaging fans could be a valuable asset for the U.S. team aiming to reclaim the Ryder Cup. \"He’s a really fiery player. When you come to a Ryder Cup, you don’t want guys to try to be something they’re not. We have a lot of calm, mellow guys, so we need the energy from Bryson and he brings that every day in practice rounds, in the team room and hopefully in the tournament competition too.\"

Ako Bicol Rep. Garbin Confident Elizaldy Co Will Address Allegations Amid Flood Control Project Probe

Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin has voiced his confidence that Representative Elizaldy Co will adequately respond to the allegations connected to the flood control project controversy. "I am coordinating with his lawyers because he is consulting with them. He will definitely address these baseless accusations," Garbin stated. He added, "From what I know, he intends to contest all these claims." When questioned about Co's current whereabouts, Garbin said he was uncertain. "I am also unsure if he is still in the United States. The latest information I have is that he has a scheduled medical checkup in Boston on September 24. That was our conversation two weeks ago," he explained. The remarks come in the wake of a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing held on Tuesday, where former Department of Public Works and Highways Engineer Henry Alcantara implicated Co as one of those who allegedly received kickbacks. Co, who chaired the House Committee on Appropriations during the 19th Congress, is also said to have promoted budget insertions tied to the controversy. Despite the political turmoil, Garbin assured that the Ako Bicol party-list continues to pursue its programs and advocacies without disruption. "We remain fully committed to our efforts in Bicol. Our programs and advocacies proceed unabated, and we are not deterred," he affirmed. He also acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation but emphasized the party-list's resolve. "It would be hypocritical to say that we are unaffected. Nevertheless, we are intensifying our advocacy efforts and maintaining my active role in the House of Representatives," Garbin concluded.

Former DPWH Officials and Discaya Couple Granted Witness Protection, DOJ Clarifies No State Witness Status Yet

During a press briefing on Wednesday, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that three former Department of Public Works and Highways officials alongside the Discaya couple are now under the Witness Protection Program (WPP). The officials include former district engineer Henry Alcatara and former assistant district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza. The couple consists of contractors Cezarah "Sarah" Discaya and Pacifico "Curlee" Discaya. Remulla explained, "After consultations, we agreed that the best course of action at this stage is to provide them protection." The DOJ has formally notified the Senate regarding the placement of these five individuals into the WPP. Highlighting the purpose of the program, Remulla stated, "The Witness Protection Program exists to safeguard witnesses involved in cases, ensuring they are not harmed or threatened." Nevertheless, he was clear to emphasize that none of the five have yet been granted state witness status. "We do not have any state witnesses at this moment," Remulla declared. He elaborated that granting such status requires a careful and thorough evaluation to determine who qualifies. "We must be very prudent in designating state witness status," he added, affirming that the decision remains pending.

Ex-DPWH Official Implicates Senator in Flood Control Project Kickback Scandal

A former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official has implicated Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero in a significant alleged kickback racket tied to government-funded flood control projects, deepening an ongoing corruption investigation. In a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo disclosed that he personally delivered ₱160 million—equivalent to 20 percent of projects valued at around ₱800 million—to Maynard Ngu, a known associate and campaign donor of Senator Escudero. "I delivered 20 percent of approximately ₱800 million or about ₱160 million [to] Maynard Ngu, which was meant for Senator Escudero," Bernardo testified before the Senate panel. Senator Escudero, who was removed from his position as Senate president amid the controversy, has consistently denied allegations of receiving commissions from these contracts. Bernardo also accused a staff member of former Senator and current Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay of demanding a 15-percent cut, roughly ₱37 million, from infrastructure deals slated for 2024. According to Bernardo, he personally handed over the bribe at a Quezon City residence. This testimony supports earlier statements by dismissed DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara, who implicated Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. in the elaborate corruption network. These revelations have intensified scrutiny on the involvement of multiple high-profile political figures in the misappropriation of public infrastructure funds, fueling calls for further investigation and accountability.

DOJ Receives Sexual Assault Complaints Against Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro

Two complaint-affidavits were lodged on Thursday with the Department of Justice against Marikina Representative Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro, accusing him of acts constituting lasciviousness and rape by sexual assault. The complainants are female police officers who served as close-in security escorts to Teodoro at various times. Their identities have been kept confidential to protect their privacy and safety. According to DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano, one complainant claims that during the initial phase of her deployment, Teodoro committed acts covered under Article 336 (Acts of Lasciviousness) of the Revised Penal Code. "The other complainant, who originally served as a close-in security detail to the respondent's spouse, Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro, and was later reassigned to the respondent himself, has accused him of rape by sexual assault in addition to acts of lasciviousness," Clavano stated. Clavano emphasized that the DOJ will conduct a thorough legal assessment and case development process to evaluate the adequacy of evidence before initiating any formal preliminary investigation. "This procedure ensures that any subsequent action taken is based on a complete and well-substantiated record," he added. He also assured that Representative Teodoro will be granted due process throughout the proceeding. The DOJ has yet to release the full copies of the complaint-affidavits to the public or the media.

Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted on False Statements and Obstruction Charges

The U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey on Thursday, accusing him of making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation. If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison. In an Instagram video, Comey expressed confidence in the judicial system, stating, \"My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I\'m innocent. So, let\'s have a trial and keep the faith.\" His attorney, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, affirmed, \"Jim Comey denies the charges filed today in their entirety. We look forward to vindicating him in the courtroom.\" The indictment marks a significant escalation in the ongoing campaign by former President Donald Trump to pursue legal actions against political adversaries he has long accused of undermining his presidency. Though Trump has frequently threatened imprisonment for his critics since his 2015 presidential bid, this is the first time his administration has secured a grand jury indictment against a prominent figure from his political past. Trump, who dismissed Comey from his FBI post in 2017, welcomed the indictment with a social media post exclaiming, \"JUSTICE IN AMERICA! He has been so bad for our Country, for so long.\" Trump has criticized Comey for his management of the FBI\'s investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and contacts with the Trump campaign. The charges stem from Comey\'s 2020 congressional testimony, during which he denied authorizing leaks of sensitive FBI information. The indictment alleges that Comey misled Congress by denying he permitted others to serve as anonymous sources in media reports regarding an FBI investigation. The case has sparked internal controversy within the Justice Department, with career prosecutors reportedly doubting the sufficiency of evidence to justify charges. The top federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, resigned last week after clashing with administration officials over the case. His successor, Lindsey Halligan, a former White House adviser and Trump defense lawyer, personally presented the case to the grand jury, an unusual step typically performed by line prosecutors. The grand jury declined to indict Comey on a third proposed count, which involved a separate false statement allegation tied to a Senate testimony about the 2016 election. The indictment also generated personal repercussions: Comey\'s son-in-law, senior national security prosecutor Troy Edwards, resigned to uphold his \"oath to the Constitution and country,\" while Comey\'s daughter, Maureen, a former federal prosecutor, filed a lawsuit following her dismissal, alleging retaliation linked to her father\'s indictment. This development further exemplifies the fraught relationship between Trump and Comey that began when Trump fired him shortly after the FBI disclosed investigation into the president\'s campaign ties with Russia. Comey later emerged as a vocal critic of Trump, labeling him \"morally unfit\" for office. The dismissal of Comey led to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election, a probe that detailed multiple contacts but found insufficient evidence to prove a criminal conspiracy. Former officials and legal experts have criticized the indictment as politically motivated. Norm Eisen, an ethics official under the Obama administration, described the prosecution as a \"vindictive and meritless\" effort that undermines the integrity of the Justice Department. This indictment comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape the Justice Department and pursue investigations against other political figures, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both regarded as critics of Trump. Trump\'s resentful approach to perceived political enemies continues to cast a long shadow over the operations of federal law enforcement agencies.

Defense Department Denounces Alleged Destabilization Plot as Baseless

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) firmly dismissed reports of a purported destabilization scheme against the government, labeling them as a "desperate attempt to propagate falsehood and sow discord" among Filipinos. Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong, spokesperson for the DND, characterized the claims of a destabilization or coup plot as "utterly preposterous," stating that it only serves to create confusion and fuel adversarial narratives targeting the national government. These allegations surfaced shortly before the September 21 anti-corruption demonstrations, which emerged in response to recently uncovered corrupt practices related to flood control projects implicating government engineers and politicians. Reports mentioned that one of the supposed conspirators approached a senior military official in an effort to recruit support for their cause. Despite these claims, Andolong emphasized that the DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remain steadfastly committed to the country, its Constitution, and democratic institutions. He urged the public to consider who truly benefits from the spread of these rumors and who ultimately suffers. The spokesperson underscored the necessity for government efforts and resources to be concentrated on improving citizens' welfare, safeguarding national sovereignty, and pursuing national interests. "We continue to stand with the Filipino people in the pursuit of truth, justice, and good governance," Andolong said. "Let us all remain vigilant against disinformation and malign influence perpetrated by foreign and local entities who seek to divide rather than unite us for the good of our nation."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Ends Re-Election Campaign

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday that he is ending his campaign for re-election, significantly reshaping the field ahead of the November 4 mayoral election. Adams, who had lagged behind opponents Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo in recent polls, cited ongoing campaign challenges as the reason for his withdrawal. Polling data indicated Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, maintained a substantial lead, while Cuomo, the former governor of New York running as an independent, also outpaced Adams. The mayor had faced difficulties in fundraising efforts, which contributed to his decision to step away. In a social media statement posted on X, Adams expressed his sentiments, saying, \"Despite all we\'ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign.\" His exit leaves Mamdani and Cuomo as the primary contenders for New York City\'s top office.