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As the impeachment controversy surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte deepens, the public is once again confronted with a familiar political strategy: dismiss criticism as “fake news,” attack the accusers, and divert attention from the substance of the allegations. The latest episode — the denial by lawyer-spokesman Michael Poa of rumors that the vice president allegedly threw a laptop at him in frustration — may seem trivial beside the serious accusations now confronting the country’s second highest official. Whether the story is true or not is ultimately secondary. What matters more is how public discourse is being overwhelmed by noise, spectacle, and social media theatrics while grave questions about accountability remain unanswered. Ironically, Duterte herself urged Filipinos to “discern” manipulated information online. That is a valid and necessary reminder. In today’s digital environment, lies spread rapidly and political propaganda flourishes. But discernment must apply not only to rumors against politicians — it must also extend to the explanations politicians themselves offer when confronted with evidence. The issue now is no longer about personality or temperament. It is about public trust. Questions raised during impeachment hearings are not ordinary partisan attacks. They involve matters of official disclosures, confidential funds, bank transactions, and alleged threats against top government officials. These are serious concerns that deserve direct, credible, and transparent answers. The controversy over Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) illustrates this clearly. Critics point out that for several years, cash assets allegedly were not separately declared as required under Republic Act No. 6713. Former officials and finance professionals have argued that the explanation — that cash was merely included under “other assets” — contradicts both accounting practice and the law itself. This is not a mere clerical matter. The SALN is a constitutional safeguard designed to ensure honesty and transparency in public office. Ordinary teachers, soldiers, police officers, and rank-and-file employees are expected to comply meticulously with it. Public officials occupying the highest positions should be held to no lower standard. Equally troubling are the questions surrounding billions of pesos in reported bank transactions flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Duterte’s camp insists the figures are misleading because they merely total deposits and withdrawals over many years. Yet the public deserves more than blanket dismissals. The issue is not only the arithmetic but whether the transactions are consistent with lawful income and properly documented sources. In a democracy, public office demands public explanation. The same principle applies to the controversy involving confidential funds. The rapid liquidation of hundreds of millions of pesos, the testimonies of individuals allegedly involved in disbursement, and contradictory statements presented during hearings all require clarification grounded in facts, not indignation. What weakens institutions is not criticism. What weakens institutions is the refusal to answer legitimate questions with clarity and evidence. Unfortunately, political loyalty often clouds public judgment. Supporters see every allegation as persecution; critics see every denial as proof of guilt. The nation becomes trapped between blind defense and blind condemnation. The impeachment process should not be reduced to entertainment, online warfare, or personality politics. It is a constitutional mechanism meant to determine accountability based on evidence and law. If the allegations are baseless, then facts should clear the vice president. But if evidence points to misconduct, then no amount of rhetoric, diversion, or accusations of conspiracy can erase the obligation to answer before the Filipino people. Public officials ask citizens to trust them with power, taxes, and national leadership. In return, the public has every right to demand honesty, transparency, and accountability. That is not political persecution. That is democracy.

Atty. Paolo Tolentino Proseso kan pag probate ning will Atty., may pinamana samong magturugang na daga. Ini nakalaag sa will kan samong ina. Pwede na ba ini darahon sa Registry of Deeds para paghati-hatian mi na an daga? - - - - - - - An simple pero importanteng simbag: dai pa. Sa batas kan Pilipinas, an “will” — maski pirmado, notarized, asin klaro an contents — dai pa ini automatic na may epekto sa pag-transfer kan properties. Para magamit sa paghahati kan daga o paglipat kan titulo, kaipohan muna ini ma-approve kan korte sa proseso na pig-aapod na probate proceedings. Ibig sabihon, dai sapat na idara lang an dokumento sa Registry of Deeds para mabaranga na an daga sa magturugang. Kung idudulok sana sa Registry of Deeds an will na mayo pang probate order, posibileng dai ini tanggapon. Dahil an Registry of Deeds dai man nagdedesisyon kung valid an will — trabaho iyan kan korte. Kung may mga kahaputan, mag email sa ihapotkiattorney@gmail.com.

So, the House of Representatives has officially impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. If you notice, although, it has been all over the news for weeks now; and it’s something worth writing about, I’ve been avoiding the topic. Maybe, I dipped my feet on the issue for a while, but didn’t really soak paragraphs on it. I do understand what the congressmen and congresswomen have been fighting for. I understand the allegations of misuse of public funds, allegations of discrepancies on the SALN, allegations of bribery to DepEd officials, and allegations of grave threats and sedition. (Notice how I clearly placed the word, “allegation” on each article.) It just feels like I’m being served a bland meal that’s been served before, and rejected by diners multiple times. It feels like I’m watching a movie with the same plot as before; and they’ve been promoting this flick as the hottest new thing. all these will end up futile. But, maybe, that’s just my feeling. I know that as Filipinos, we should involve ourselves in the affairs of the state, be part of the change to make this nation better. But, this is all too tiring. We’ve gone through this a couple of times already, and we keep hitting our heads on a hard concrete wall. Despite that feeling, there are some fresh elements this time around. The impeachment case has overwhelming numbers. More than 88% - 257 of the plenary voted to adopt the articles of impeachment. Less than 9% or 25 voted not to adopt; and less than 2% or 5 wanted to be safe and abstained. That’s 88 is to 9 is to 2. That 88 could easily swallow the 9 and 2. The constitutional requirement is one-third (106 members) needed to send the case directly to the Senate for trial. 257 is more than two-thirds of the members of the House of Representatives. In a way, the articles have satisfied the requirement by more than double the basic requirement. In this democracy, since they are representatives of the Filipino people, indirectly, the represented Filipino people have overwhelmingly by more than 88% pushed that the Vice President whom they have voted be impeached. That’s already one grand statement. There is also a notable cohesion among this batch of representatives who rally around for impeachment. They seem to be focused on one direction. The past batches seemed to want to want similar goals, but move in slightly divergent paths. What comes next? The articles will go to the Senate. Wow! It’s so frustratingly fascinating. Just when the articles of impeachment would be going to the Senate, senators decide to oust Tito sen as senate president to make way for Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano who incase you all have forgotten, was former President Rodrigo duterte’s running mate when he ran for president. Of course, he lost to now Mayor Leni. (I wonder how the former president is doing in The Hague. Now, that’s another topic I’ve been avoiding to write about for somewhat similar reasons.) Then, Sen. Bato dela Rosa who had been missing in action for almost half a year now, decides to make an appearance, presumably to make their stand against the impeachment. What are these guys in public office for? Did they run and get elected for the sole purpose of defending a certain family? Whatever happened to public service? So, plenary motions are not for legislation, but for protection and pursuit of party agenda. Then, in a plot twist, things got incredibly tense in the senate. Senator Bato was chased by NBI agents through the Senate halls in what looked like a movie scene. CCTV Footage shown during the plenary session showed Senator Bato literally running through the halls and even tripping as he tried to reach the Session Hall to avoid the agents. The Senate passed a motion to place him under Senate Protective Custody. Newly elected Senate President Cayetano stated that the Senate will protect its members from "extrajudicial rendition" or arrests by foreign courts (referring to the International Criminal Court). And I thought, Senators Robinhood, Jinggoy and Lito Lapid were the actions stars in the senate. The action and drama don’t stop there. The Senate cited the NBI agents who pursued Bato for contempt, ordering them detained in the Senate's own detention facility. Poor agents, they were only following orders. Clearly, they’re preparing to quash the impeachment case. That’s why I let out a deep sigh. That more than 88%, that more than two-thirds of representation will just amount to naught, regardless of the merits, because a band of brothers will barricade it with their very lives. "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." -James 3:16

I had no hand in planning our family vacation in Japan, a trip that brought together twenty-eight relatives - including seven children - from the Philippines, Australia, Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, to celebrate the 80th birthday of my brother-in-law. With the vacationers composed of three generations, each of us had our own distinct idea of what an ideal vacation should be. I entrusted the planning to my wife and her siblings, who meticulously mapped out the cities to explore, the parks and the temples to visit, the train routes to navigate, and even the restaurants to try. From the outset, I chose simply to go with the flow and allow the unexpected to surprise me. The moment my wife and I arrived at Haneda Airport last April 4, I felt something within me beginning to relax. After clearing immigration, I sensed the beginning of a promising vacation when I saw a gentleman in a dark suit standing quietly among the crowd, holding a sign with my name. His name was Cam, and he was the driver assigned by the tour agency to take us to Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro. His presence was reassuring knowing that some of our relatives at a different airport were not as fortunate – their driver had left after failing to locate them. Tokyo Just as Europe captivates tourists with its majestic cathedrals and castles, Japan offers something equally rare with its centuries-old traditions and love for innovation. Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is a microcosm of what Japan is all about. Visiting the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple located in the Asakusa district, observing a row of Buddhist cemetery markers set in quiet proximity to a temple, strolling along the embankments of the Sumida River as we watched in full view the 634-meter Tokyo Skytree observation tower, and visiting the captivating TeamLab Borderless, a digital art museum renowned for its innovative use of technology, offer any traveler a deeper understanding why respect for tradition and love for innovations hold such significance for the Japanese. For a first-time visitor in Japan like me, Tokyo imparts a personal realization and experience that will be hard to forget long after I have left Japan. The Shinjuku Food Tour, led by a local guide well-versed in Japanese cuisine, afforded me unique insights as we stopped at four small eateries to try tonkatsu, sushi, sashimi, yakitori and even Japanese sake. The cuisine, served in small servings and based on rice with miso soup, is often accompanied by tea or sake, although beer and soda are available, if requested. Hakone After three days in Tokyo, our group departed the capital in two private vans and made our way to Hakone, a mountainous resort celebrated for its onsen (natural springs) and its proximity to Mount Fuji. Hakone offered a welcome respite from the pace of metropolitan Tokyo. I tried the onsen where men and women were separated. It offered a very relaxing and cleaning experience for the body and mind. Our accommodations at the Yuhohana Prince Hotel reflected traditional Japanese sensibilities. The room followed the style of Japanese home, requiring us to remove our shoes upon entry and using the slippers provided. A separate pair of slippers was designated exclusively for use inside the toilet area, in keeping with customary hygiene practice. At our request, the hotel restaurant prepared a formal multi-course selection of Japanese dishes for dinner. We were also provided a traditional Japanese breakfast the following morning. Although I could not fully understand every explanation offered by the servers as they described each course in Japanese, their intention was unmistakable. I sensed a sincere desire on their part to help us understand the cultural importance of their cuisine in everyday life. A short drive from our hotel took us to Lake Ashi, where one could take a pirate ship to view Mt. Fuji. However, we opted not to board the ship after our Filipino driver mentioned a nearby village where the mountain could be seen from a much closer view. Enroute to the village, we made a brief stop at the well-known Komagatake Ropeway. Unfortunately, due to strong winds, operations were suspended that day. We continued our journey to the rural village, named Saiko Iyashi No Sato Nenba, excited for the opportunity to experience a more unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji. What immediately drew my attention upon entering the village were the cherry blossoms and the picture-perfect view of Mt. Fuji, a snow-capped mountain just like the way I saw it in many photo magazines. After taking a few souvenir photographs with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop, we continued to wander through the village, my phone camera still in hand. The village features traditional farmhouses converted into souvenir shops and food stalls, each one offering insights into Japanese life, clothing, tools, food, and enduring cultural traditions. Kyoto Kyoto was our next destination. We boarded the train bound for the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The train arrived precisely on schedule. Although the train was crowded, everybody was quiet and doing their own thing. In a sense, there was order, and it made me feel secure and confident that nothing untoward would happen to foreigners like us. I thought that this must have been a reflection of the respectfulness for which Japanese are well known. When we reached the shrine, heavy rain was already falling. Our tour guide explained that Fushimi Inari is renowned for its striking vermillion torii gates, which line the pathways ascending Mt. Inari, named after Inari, the god of rice. We did not make it to the top of Mt. Inari. The climb was challenging due to the sheer number of tourists navigating the narrow path and bumping into each other in pouring rain. Despite the difficulty, the experience was unforgettable. The following day, under clear and sunny weather, we drove to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a favorite destination for tourists. Its towering bamboo groves formed a pathway where we wandered, took pictures, and felt the cool breeze. If the temples we have visited prompted me to reflect on my own spiritual beliefs, the bamboo forest offered something altogether different: a welcome respite from the tiredness of the day’s long walk into a feeling of ease and calmness. A short walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest took us to the Kimono Forest. It features cylindrical pillars wrapped in colorful kimono fabrics. We strolled through its pathways, as we paused to admire the pillars’ intricate patterns and took photos. Had we remained until nightfall, we would have seen the walkway turn into a bright corridor once the pillars were illuminated from within. Nara Another frequently visited destination that offers a vivid glimpse into the richness of the Japanese culture is Nara, which is easily accessible from Kyoto by car. My five rumbunctious grandchildren especially enjoyed their time in Nara Park, home to the thousands of roaming deer famous for bowing to visitors when fed with Nara-made crackers. These deer, believed to be messengers of gods, are gentle and interact with visitors in ways as if they are humans. They follow visitors playfully, nudging for attention and more crackers. I am sure they created an experience for my grandchildren they will never forget. A short walk from Nara Park stands the Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha, enshrined within the Great Buddha Hall – the largest wooden structure of its kind. The Japanese reverence for tradition was evident inside the hall, as I observed individuals engaging in a range of ritualistic practices. My five grandkids tried their luck by crawling through the so-called ‘lucky tunnel,’ said to be the size of Buddha’s nostrils, and did so with little difficulty. I observed a few adults who were unable to make their way through the ‘lucky tunnel.’ We concluded our day in Nara with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the celebrated Golden Pavillion because its upper two stories are adorned in gold leaf. Osaka Osaka was the last destination in our itinerary. The city offers an abundance of attractions, like Osaka Castle. I only wish my wife and I had more time to explore the traditional side of Osaka, but unfortunately, we did not. Even so, there were a few experiences that made our brief stint in Osaka memorable. Our first activity was taking an evening stroll through Dotonbori, the city’s most iconic entertainment district. Towering neon billboards advertising famous Japanese brands illuminated the streets mesmerizing me. Osaka by night is a marvel to behold. The most recognizable landmark is the Glico Man, positioned above the Dotonbori Bridge. It’s a popular spot where visitors take photos with the glowing figure as their backdrop. The streets were filled with both locals and foreign tourists, young and old, enjoying the night, some carrying soda pops and cans of beers, others gathered in small eateries serving affordable Japanese dishes. Street signs are written in Japanese characters, but somehow, I understood them. Despite the crowd, I never felt unsafe. Everyone seemed to be enjoying being out in the city. Another noteworthy experience was our immersion in Osaka’s celebrated culinary scene. A local guide, who happens to be a Japanese-Filipino and speaks Tagalog, met us in front of the Don Quijote Dotonbori Midosuji store to lead a three-hour walking food tour. Over the course of the tour, we visited four local restaurants and sampled twelve distinct Japanese dishes and street food. One of the roadside restaurants was featured in the Michelin Guide, a restaurant rating system known for awarding stars to exceptional dining establishments. Conclusion Our two-week vacation in Japan was more than a sightseeing. I leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Japanese tradition and way of life. From the temples to the giant neon billboards, from the beautiful sights to good food, everyday offered something different and unforgettable. What stays with me are the small moments -- philosophers call them ‘interconnected occurrences’ -- travelling together, shared stories, family bonding, shared meals, hearty laughter, and the gentle kindness of strangers. These small moments are what matter because they become vivid memories that will remain with me for a lifetime.

Today, I devote this column to the organizers, working committee members, conveners, sponsors, experts, resource persons, speakers, fisherfolk, and participants gathered for the much-awaited DUROS 2: Multi-Stakeholder Consultation and Solutions-Based Workshop at the auditorium of the Central Bicol State University in Agriculture (CBSUA), Pili, Camarines Sur. It is a one-day marathon of listening, learning, sharing, questioning, and, hopefully, finding solutions.In Bicol, duros means wind. But today, that wind carries more than weather. It carries questions. It carries uncertainty. But all are here to listen and be properly heard and informed. It carries change that may redefine the future of our coastal communities. This important consultation is being led by the Tabang Bikol Movement, the Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, the Central Bicol State University in Agriculture (CBSUA), and the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) with the Ocean Centre Philippines (OCP)—institutions brought together by a shared commitment to ensure that development in Bicol is informed, inclusive, and responsive to the people it will affect most. The participation of the University of the Philippines and its experts is particularly significant. As the country’s premier state university, supported by taxpayers and entrusted with the public good, its role in grounding this discussion in science, evidence, and honest inquiry is essential. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage the unique strengths of each partner institution to create a more resilient and equitable future for the Bicol region. By integrating academic rigor with grassroots activism, the consultation facilitates a deeper understanding of the socio-economic barriers facing local communities. The primary objective is to develop a unified framework for sustainable growth that prioritizes disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and social protection for vulnerable sectors. Participants are currently engaged in intensive workshops designed to map out regional assets and identify critical gaps in infrastructure and social services. This participatory process ensures that the voices of farmers, fishers, and indigenous groups are at the forefront of the development agenda, fostering a sense of local ownership and long-term commitment to the proposed interventions. As a Bicolana who has worked with communities, educational institutions, and development initiatives, I have seen how progress can inspire hope—and how it can also create anxiety when people feel excluded from decisions that will shape their future. That is why the proposed offshore wind developments in Camarines Sur deserve honest, informed, and people-centered dialogue.Bicol is rapidly emerging as a strategic frontier in the country’s renewable energy transition. At least six offshore wind projects are proposed in Camarines Sur, including the US$3 billion, 1-gigawatt offshore wind project planned in San Miguel Bay. On paper, this looks like progress.Renewable energy is essential. Climate change is real. The Philippines needs cleaner energy and stronger energy security. But here in Bicol, development is never simply about investment numbers.San Miguel Bay is not vacant water waiting for industrial use. It is one of our richest fishing grounds. It feeds families. It sustains livelihoods. It defines culture, identity, and food security for thousands. So the question is not whether renewable energy is necessary. The deeper question is this: Can we pursue it without sacrificing the communities who have long depended on these waters? This is why DUROS 2 was convened—not as an anti-development gathering, but as a platform for truth-telling, science, and collaborative problem-solving. And the strength of this consultation lies in who has come to the table. National and regional agencies are participating, including the Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development. Scientists and researchers from the UP Resilience Institute, the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute, and energy experts are here to ground discussions in evidence. The private sector is represented by Copenhagen Offshore Partners, whose officials will provide project updates and engage stakeholders directly Civil society is present. Faith-based organizations are here. Chambers of commerce, academe, youth groups, women’s organizations, fisherfolk associations, farmers, local government units, professionals, and community leaders have joined this important conversation. This matters. Because inclusive development begins with inclusive dialogue. Today’s consultation brings together distinguished voices: Congressman Nelson S. Legacion as keynote speaker; Nancy Fernandez on national and regional renewable energy policy; Dennis dela Torre of the UP Resilience Institute on climate justice and risk governance; Ian Mark Villa of the Department of Energy on offshore wind viability in disaster-prone Camarines Sur; Ariel Pioquinto of BFAR on the fishing sanctuary of San Miguel Bay; Aaron Buena-Agua of DENR on environmental permitting and ESG risks; and Malene Rahbek of Copenhagen Offshore Partners on where the project stands today. But perhaps the most important voices are not behind podiums. They are the fisherfolk and coastal communities whose lives are directly tied to the bay. During our first DUROS consultation last February with fisherfolk from six coastal municipalities surrounding San Miguel Bay, one message came through clearly: communities are not rejecting development. They are demanding transparency. They are demanding safety. They are demanding inclusion. They are demanding respect. They are asking legitimate questions: Will fishing grounds be restricted? What happens to fish migration routes and spawning habitats? Will submarine cables and turbine foundations damage marine ecosystems? Will benefits remain local—or flow elsewhere? Will communities become partners—or mere spectators? These are not anti-progress questions. They are questions of justice. And I also learned something sobering from our conversations in San Miguel Bay: fish stocks are already under pressure from illegal trawling and destructive fishing practices. So the fear is understandable. Will offshore wind developments worsen an already fragile marine ecosystem? As a Bicolana, I believe development without trust creates resistance. Development with participation creates ownership. If offshore wind is to become part of Bicol’s future, then Bicolanos must help shape that future. We cannot call a project sustainable if communities lose livelihoods. We cannot speak of inclusion if consultation comes only after major decisions are underway. We cannot celebrate clean energy while ignoring ecological uncertainty and social displacement. Renewable energy must not become a new form of extraction. Bicol deserves a transition that is science-based, equitable, resilient, and humane. The strongest measure of progress is not the height of turbines or the size of investment. It is whether ordinary people can honestly say: We were informed. We were heard. We were respected. My deepest thanks to the volunteers and leaders of Tabang Bikol Movement, our partner institutions, the academe, experts, civic leaders, sponsors, the RDC, the private sector, fisherfolk communities, youth, women, professionals, and all who made this gathering possible. You have brought together kindred spirits from different sectors—not merely to debate, but to listen.And as participants sign their pledge of commitment today, may it not be merely ceremonial words on paper, but a genuine covenant—that development in Bicol will be transparent, accountable, science-based, and truly beneficial, especially to the least among our brethren. Not tomorrow.Now. Because the winds of change are already here. The question is whether they will carry Bicol forward—or leave some communities behind.

Naimbitaran ako kan nakaaging bulan na Abril magtao nin talk manungod sa pagtios sa sektor kan agrikultura bilang parte kan Social Sciences Week kan Ateneo de Naga University. Saro sa mga hineras kong bareta bilang solusyon sa pagtios (poverty) iyo ang Urban Agriculture Program kan ciudad nin Naga na saro sa mga beinteng (20) finalists nin Walang Gutom Awards (WGA) kan Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa buong Pilipinas. Pag-abot sa open forum, may naghapot na estudiante kung totoo man daw talaga na mayo nan in nagugutom sa ciudad. Marhay na hapot ito hale sa estudiante, pinag-isipan. Pareho man na hapot ang nagsagi sa isip ko kan enot kong nadangog ang Walang Gutom Awards. Sa proseso kan pagumiter mi kan mga datos sa pag-implementar kan programa, ang WGA para sa mga undernourished na kaakian asin ano ang nagigibo kan programa para ini masolusyonan. Igua man talaga giraray pagkagutom kundi ang kaipuhan tutukan si kaso nin “involuntary” hunger na nakakaapektar sa salud kan mga kaakian. Enot na nagsumiter nin aplikasyon ang Naga sa WGA kan 2025 para sa WGA 2024, sa pangaduwang oportunidad, nagsumiter liwat kita para sa WGA 2025. Sa cincuentang (50) aplikante sa bilog na nasyon,nakaiba ang ciudad sa 20 finalists. Kan nakaaging Martes saro kita sa mga napili kabali sa 10 National Finalists sa WGA. Dai kita nakasali sa 10 Winning Programs pero marhay man giraray resulta, Makakaresibe nin P1 Million na grant ang ciudad para i-implementar ang Sustainable Livelihood Program o SLP kan DSWD. Halawig na taon ang inagihan kan award na narecibe kan ciudad. Nagpoon ang pormal na programang urban agri sa Naga kan 2017 sa paagi kan Integrated Community Food Production Project (ICFP) na inimplementar hanggang 2019. Ang pondo kan ICFP kung tanda pa nindo, hale sa Bottom-up Budgeting kan gobierno nacional kan liderato ni PNoy. Kan panahon nin pandemyang Covid 19, pinasar ang ordinansa 2020-095 kung saen yaon ang Urban Agriculture Program kan Naga. Ang nasabing programa limang taon nang iniimplementar sa pagtarabangan kan nagkakapirang grupo. Enot ang aktibong partisipasyon kan satong mga Barangay Agricultural Technicians o inaapod tang mga BATs sa pangengenot ni Pres. Siony asin pag-iriba na designado sa mga clustered barangays asin mga agri-barangays na komponido nin mga coordinators na nagmomonitor kan mga nakarecibe nin mga pananom na banhi o seedlings, leaders na kaibahan sa pagmonitor asin pagdistribuer sa mga harong o households asin assistants na nagmamantenir kan mga barangay nurseries na pinaghahalean kan mga pananom na seedlings. Ang City Agriculture Office (CAgO) ang opisinang nagpapadalagan kan teknikal na aspeto kan programa kaibahan sa paagi ni Sir Alvin asin ang City Population and Nutrition Office (CPNO) sa pamayo ni Ma’am Joy na nagtatao nin datos kan mga kaakian na may malnutrisyon, ang target kan programa. Kaibahan kan CAgO ang CPNO sa mga proyekto lalo na pag Hulyo, ang Nutrition Month. Ang I-Governance sa paagi ni Ma’am Armie kaiba si Edlyn asin Ray kan CAgO SocMed sa pagpreparar kan isinumiter na requirements sa pagsali sa WGA. Siempre, kaibahan na ang suporta kan mga opisyales kan kada barangay lalo na sa pagtao nin prayoridad sa programang pang urban agriculture. Sa liderato kan satong presenteng Alkaldesa, Mayor Leni, nagpapasalamat kita sa padagos na suporta niya. Sa marhay na pag-gobernar, bakong imposible ang mga pangiturogan sa 2028 Finish Lines. Nagpapasalamat kita sa gabos na aktibong nagpartisipar, nagtubod sa programa asin sa mga nagpapadagos magtanom kan saindang gulayon sa natad, kan saindang kakanon sa aroaldaw. Kung ang bagong tourism branding kan ciudad, “Naga is the heart”, sa 2028 awot pa na nasa puso kan ciudadang zero kagutoman asin zero malnutrisyon.

Ryan Mostar A recent incident inside the Senate exposed how far the institution has shifted from what it once was. A senator facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant was reportedly pursued by law enforcement agents inside Senate premises. Senators intervened, and the situation escalated into protective custody within the chamber itself. What should have been a straightforward enforcement of legal process instead unfolded inside one of the country’s highest political institutions—an arena that is supposed to embody order, restraint, and institutional control. Instead, it became a stage for confrontation. That moment did not create the problem. It revealed it. There was a time when the Philippine Senate carried unquestioned institutional weight. Senators were treated as statesmen. They were criticized, debated, even opposed—but rarely treated as ordinary political figures subject to instant public confrontation. That era is gone. Today, senators are no longer insulated from the full force of public reaction. They are watched in real time, judged instantly, and often reduced to fragments of performance circulated online. Respect is no longer attached automatically to the office. It has become conditional, unstable, and constantly contested. Part of this collapse of distance is technological. Social media has eliminated delay. Political action no longer passes through institutional filters before reaching the public. It is immediate, unedited, and reactive. A statement inside the chamber can become public judgment within minutes. But technology alone does not explain the shift. The Senate itself has changed. Its membership now reflects a broader mix of professional backgrounds, including business, entertainment, media, and non-legal fields. This is often described as democratization of representation. But it has also blurred the line between legislative specialization and electoral popularity. Winning elections and crafting laws are not the same skill. The recent incident makes this impossible to ignore. Legal enforcement, political intervention, and institutional authority collided inside a space that is supposed to regulate such conflicts—not absorb them. The boundaries between branches of power did not simply blur. They overlapped in real time, inside the legislature itself. The Senate once derived much of its strength from institutional distance. It projected the idea that decisions were made above the noise of daily political chaos. That distance created authority. It created restraint. It created the sense that the chamber stood apart from the instability outside it. That distance no longer exists. Today, the Senate operates under permanent exposure. Every statement becomes content. Every confrontation becomes spectacle. Every hearing becomes a battlefield for narratives long before conclusions are reached. And in that environment, authority changes. It becomes less institutional and more performative. Less rooted in deliberation and more dependent on visibility, reaction, and public momentum. This is why moments that once would have been viewed as institutional crises now unfold almost like public theater. Not because the Senate has lost its constitutional power. But because the culture surrounding political power has fundamentally changed. The question now is whether authority still means anything when politics is consumed like entertainment. Because what is fading is not just respect for senators. It is the gravity once attached to public office itself.

Nagtutubod an Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative (Casureco II) Inc. na bako sa cooperativa an apektado envez an miembros consumedores sa pinaluwas na directiva kan Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sa iimplementar na consumer relief measures o pagpangalad sa ‘‘disconnection’’ sa mga consumedores na dai tolos nakakabayad kan saindang electric bills poon bulan nin Mayo hasta Hulyo 2026. An dahilan matatambakan sana nin mga electric bills an mga miembros consumedores asin madificilan makabayad kan saindang obligasyon. Igua nganing sarong bulan sana dai nakakabayad na inaabot pa nin sagcod sa duwa asin tolong bulan na mapipiritan nang mag-implementar nin ‘‘disconnection’’ an cooperativa nin electricidad, sabi ni Rinner Bucay an opisyal na parataram kan Casureco II. Bako lang residential alagad kabale digdi si mga commercial consumers na sinuspende an disconnection, segun sa ERC. Piglinaw ni Bucay na mayong pro blema sa cooperativa ciertong masunod sinda sa directiva kan ERC. Alagad sa lado kan ahencia parte ini kan declarasyon sa state of national emergency sa nasyon. Nagtutubod sinda na an lakdang na ini kan ERC sa tahaw kan mga tuyaw sa sainda kan nagkaperang lehislador tano ta halabaon an listahan kan mga ‘‘charges’’ sa mga electric bills. An nangyayari an mga cooperativa sana an nagcocolecta o ginigibong collector bako man sinda an nakikinabang. Casureco II lineman nagpuputol kan sanga nin mga kahoy nganing maibitaran an biglaan na mga pagpalsok nin kuryente. (C-II FB)

Bako lang sa bagyo apektado an sektor nin paraoma alagad magin bulan nin tag-init nagsakat na sa P177.2 milyon an danyos sa agricultura sa rehiyon Bicol. Sa pinakahuring listahan kan Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol, sinabi ni Lovella Guarin, opisyal na parataram kan ahencia an may pinakalangkaw na danyos huli kan tag-init iyo an mga tinanum na gulayan na nag-abot na sa P161.3 na nadagdagan pa kan mag-alburoto an Volcan Mayon sa Albay. An mga apektado kinababalehan kan omahan, maisan, asin gulayan sa anom na provincia kan rehiyon. Kun ikukumpara sa rehistradong 500,000 na paraoma sa rehiyon maabot sana sa 800 an apektado base sa mga listahan hale sa mga Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) alagad posibleng maglangkaw pa an danyos depende sa mga pinapaabot na report. Sinabi pa ni Guarin, igua nang 70 hektarya na maisan an apekado mantang sa omahan nagsakat na sa 155 hektarya an 108 digdi sa Albay asin 46 hektarya sa Camarines Sur. An lakdang kan ahencia iyo an pagtaong ayuda siring kan banhi nganing makabawi an paraoma. An National Irrigation Administration sa rehiyon padagos man kan saindang patubig sa omahan orog na si kulang an tubig sa mga omahan. SA SUPLAY NIN BAGAS Sa tahaw kan halangkaw si produksyon nin paroy sa rehiyon sa ngunian abunda an suplay nin bagas sa mga mercado maging sa National Food Authority mantang nagpapadagos an pagpabakal kan ‘‘Benteng Bigas, Meron Na’’. Naglangkaw nin 2.38 por ciento si ani nin paroy o produksyon kan nagtalikod na taon 2025 kun ikukumpara kan 2024. Sa report kan DA Bicol iguang labi sa 1.23 metrico tonelada na mas halangkaw si produksyon kumpara kan 2024 mantang mayo nin dakulang calamidad sa rehiyon. Bulan nin aranihan ngunian na Mayo 2026 alagad nabuhay naman an mga opurtunistang kumprador nganing ibagsak naman an presyo kan paroy cada kilo hale sa dating P23 sa ngunian ginibo nang P16. (BM)

Sa tahaw kan padagos na paglangkaw kan cybercrime sa Rehiyon Bicol, an Regional Director kan Philippine National Police naglansar kan Cyber Patroller asin Tracker Team na magbanbantay sa mga pasaway sa cyberspace. Sarong espesyal na grupo kan mga pulis na may misyon magpatrolya sa social media asin internet. Bako sanang sa mga tinampo asin iba pang lugar nagpapatrolya an mga miembros kan pulisiya alagad kabale na sa cyberworld nganing ma-aksyonan asin macasohan an mga envueltong criminal na nagbibitktima sa online. Segun sa report kan PNP poon kan taon 2024 hasta 2025, nagduble an mga caso sa cybercrime sa Rehiyon Bicol. Sa ngunian igua nang 361 caso an nasa lamesa kan Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 5 kan 2025 asin kabale digdi an online financial fraud, online libel, asin pangaabuso sa kababaehan asin mga aki sa internet. Kabale sa saindang trabajo, bilang cyber patroller, magbabantay sa social media. Nag-aayon sa mga grupo asin pages nganing ma-monitor kun iguang ibang maraot na intensiyon, kun iguang nagkakalat na scam asin nag-aabuso sa online asin digdi ninda nadidiscobre an mga homa na naaraman tolos antes mag-kalat an caso. Kabale pa sa saindang trabajo, kun igang suspek na nagtatago o wanted, ginagamit ninda an digital footprints, siring kan social media posts, location check-ins, asin iba nganing madakop an mga envueltong pasaway. Dinagdag pa kan PNP Bicol na kun iguang nagluluwas sa social media na fake news, an Digital Kasurog tolos nagtataong toltol asin tamang inpormasyon nganing dai maloko an publico. An lakdang na ini kan PRO5 nganing matabangan an mga Bicolano na nag-gagamit nin internet.

Abot sa 832 na delagado kan Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol na kinababalehan nin atleta, coaches, sports official asin iba pa an nag-abante na pasiring sa Agusan del Sur para sa nakatalaan na Palarong Pambansa 2026 na gigibohon sa Mayo 24 hasta Mayo 31, 2026. Si Franciso Dexter Sison, Sports Officer kan rehiyon Bicol nagsabi na nag-agi sa mga training an mga atleta sa Bicol asin andam na nganing isabak sa kumpetisyon sa Palarong Pambasa. Sinda iyo si mga nag-champion sa Palarong Bicol na awtomaticong marepresentar kan rehiyon para sa Palarong Pambansa. Pasalamat an opisyal sa bilog na suporta ni Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad, mga school superintendents, asin lokal na gobierno na nagtaong tabang pinansyal. Dawa na ngani dai man naglalaom na maging over-all champion an atleta kan Bicol alagad naglalaom an sports officer na igua man giraray mapupuling mga medalya. An Palarong Pambansa 2026, paparticiparan kan 18 rehiyon hale sa Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao na kinababalehan kan NCR, CARAGA, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, CVIRAA, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caragold of Caraga, Visayas, asin BARMM.

Ni Sonny Malate Goa, Camarines Sur --- Sa esfuerzos kan huben na bise alkalde Marcel Michael P. Pan nagpoon na an pag-extendir nin libreng servicio legal sa mga Goaeño an Lawyer of the Day Initiative (LODI). An LODI sa Goa primero sa Partido Area. Ini nahimo ni bise alkalde Pan sa pakikipagtabangan kan Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Camarines Sur Chapter. An LODI piglatag kan IBP sa bilog na nacion asin bukas urog na sa mga tios na namamanwaan. An LODI sa Goa nakabase mismo sa oficina ni Pan. Ini bukas kada aldaw na Martes asin Huwebes. Sa paagi kan tolong abugadong nagriribayribay nin eskedyul digdi, an mga Goaeño nakakaguno nin libreng consultation legal. Segun sa bise Alkalde man-iba-ibang mga isyu, conflicto asin problema na kaipo an kadunongan kan sarong abugado an pigdudulok sa LODI tanganing mataohan nin tamang solusyon. Dagdag niya, an nagcoconsulta digdi tinatawan nin asistencia na magkaiguang libreng abugado hale sa gobyerno o privado incasong mag-abot an pagresolver kan isyu sa asunto sa husgado. Naoogma an huben na bise alkalde na sa paagi kan LODI dakol na mga residentes digdi urog na an mga tikapo sa buhay an nahihinggeanan sa saindang pangangaipo nin remedio legal. Manonotaran na an Sanggunuang Bayan sa pamamayo ni Pan an sustenido sa pakikisumaro sa oficina kan ehecutivo local dapit sa mga programa, advocacia asin actividad kan local na gobyerno para sa karahayan kan kagabsan. Nagkakapirang significanteng naginibohan lehislatura iyo an paghaman nin mga ordinansa asin documentos para sa pag-extendir nin license to operate sa Goa Community College gikan sa Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Ini an kaipohan tanganing an fundo para sa operasyon kan escuelahan maggikan na mismo sa CHED imbis sa local na gobyerno. Dagdag pa iyo an kaipohan na ordinansa para sa license to operate kan Department of Health para sa Goa Municipal Infirmary. Sa paagi man kan Sangguniang Bayan nahimo asin padagos na pig-aadalan an Local Traffic Code na mahalagang gayo sa sarong mauswag na banwa arog kan Goa. Mientrastanto, pigbuyagyag kan bise alkalde na kan uminaging semana pa sana iguang labing tres cientos na mga Goaeño an nakatapos nin short term courses sa Goa Skills Training and Assessment Center (GSTAC) sa pakikipagtabangan sa TESDA. An GCC asin GSTAC parehong itinugdas ni defuntong Alkalde Marcel S. Pan, ama kan huben na Pan. Apwera sa nagunong certificate, an mga gradwado an nakarecebi pa nin cash allowance gikan sa ahencia. Sinda an tinatabangan man na makalaog sa empleo mantang an TESDA iguang mga partner companies na handang mag-acomodar nin mga bagong aplicante sa trabaho. Naglalaom si Pan na sa tamang pagkasararo entre kan Sangguniang Bayan asin oficina ni Alkaldesa Raquel S. Lim pating suporta kan mga Goaeño padagos na magantad an banwaan.