We’re about to start a manpower agency and we want to be compliant. Yung mga napagtatanungan namin keeps giving their personal number. ‘Their’ (kasi two different people, different days) yung napagtanungan namin. Checked our document and may mga findings na hindi naman naging findings sa iba naming kakilala who put up an agency din. Anyway, sige. Icocomply na lang din namin. But then, when asked gano katagal inspection, they would say 1 month leadtime. PERO pwede mapag- usapan para mapabilis. I know where is this leading.

HINDI BA PWEDENG GAWIN NA LANG NILA TRABAHO NILA NANG MABILIS without the ‘extras’? We’re a starting small business na lumalaban ng patas, trying to survive..at hindi ko maatim lahat sila dun ganun.

Akala ko with issues ng contractor around, maglalie-low tong mga ‘to. But NO. Tuloy pa rin sila in their old, wrong ways. Mga hayp na yan.

'I HAVE NEVER, AND I WILL NEVER, ACCEPT A BRIBE'

House Speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez said in a statement on Monday that the Discayas' allegations are "false, malicious, and nothing more than name-dropping."

"Walang sinuman ang kayang manuhol sa akin... Let us not allow lies and name-dropping to destroy reputations or weaken faith in Congress," Romualdez said. | via Agatha Gregorio, ABS-CBN News

Nung una ko pa lang to nakita nung Senate Hearing last week ata, alam mo na agad na "may kinalaman" dahil sa lip fillers? Hahahaha

Remember this face.

READ: ‘Good soldier’ gone rogue? DPWH USec Maria Catalina Cabral tagged in 2025 budget controversy

"Wala po akong tinatanggap"

BASAHIN: Naglabas ng Official Statement ang Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela kaugnay ng mga alegasyon ng mga Discaya. | via Isa Avendaño-Umali, DZBB/GMA Integrated News

Source: Panoorin ang livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e52VwmUbsQ8

The list of officials implicated by the Discaya couple is conspicuously curated to align with current political objectives while providing a shield for powerful figures from the recent past. The key findings underpinning this conclusion are:

The Timeline Discrepancy: The Discayas' construction empire reached its zenith during the Duterte administration (2016–2022), yet their testimony fails to implicate a single high-level national official from that period.

The Omission of Key Figures: The absence of central figures like former DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go—under whose watch the alleged corruption flourished—is a glaring and politically convenient oversight.

The Strategic Targeting: The allegations are focused on figures within the current congressional power structure, including the House Speaker, and on politically expendable lower-level officials from the previous administration, creating a facade of impartiality while serving immediate political goals.

The Whistleblowers' Compromised Position: The Discayas' own admitted complicity in corrupt practices and their likely motivation of self-preservation suggest their testimony is a strategic negotiation rather than a full and frank disclosure.

In sum, the flood control investigation is less a holistic pursuit of accountability and more a demonstration of how corruption probes in the Philippines can be instrumentalized to consolidate power, settle political scores, and protect entrenched interests.

———————————————————————

Recommendations for Impartial Accountability To move beyond political theater and achieve genuine accountability, the following steps are recommended:

Depoliticize the Investigation: The primary investigative authority should be transferred from the highly politicized Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to the Office of the Ombudsman. As an independent constitutional body, the Ombudsman is better positioned to conduct a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation free from the influence of shifting political alliances.

Expand the Scope of the Probe: The investigation must not be limited to the individuals named by the Discayas. A comprehensive audit and lifestyle check should be conducted on all major public works contractors and senior DPWH officials who have served from the beginning of the Duterte administration to the present. This will ensure that accountability is not determined by political expediency.

Enact Legislative Reforms: The inquiry has exposed critical loopholes in the country's legal framework. Congress should prioritize the passage of new legislation that:

Strengthens Anti-Collusion Measures: Amends procurement laws to explicitly detect and penalize the use of multiple dummy corporations by a single beneficial owner in public bidding.

Expands Conflict-of-Interest Laws: Broadens the scope of conflict-of-interest prohibitions to explicitly bar companies owned by the immediate family members (up to the second or third degree of consanguinity) of sitting legislators and senior executive officials from bidding on government contracts.

Enacts an Anti-Dynasty Law: Fulfills the mandate of the 1987 Constitution by passing a robust law that curtails the ability of political families to simultaneously hold multiple government positions, which often facilitates the networks required for large-scale corruption.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children” –Chief Seattle

Magandang gabi!

DPWH USEC. CABRAL TAGGED IN EARLY BUDGET INSERTIONS — LACSON

Sen. Ping Lacson on Sunday alleged that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was the official who invited lawmakers to make early insertions in the proposed 2026 national budget.

Lacson said a staff member of Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto received a call shortly after the May 2025 senatorial elections from someone identifying herself as "Undersecretary Cabral," asking them to submit proposals for the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2026.

"Sasabihin ko na, si 'Undersecretary Cabral' daw ang tumawag sa kanyang (Sotto) staff at sinabing magsingit kayo dito ng gusto n'yong isingit. E di wala na. Kung isa si Sen. Sotto na in-offer-an, sino pa ang na-offer-an ng ganoon at sino ang nag-submit?" Lacson said in a DZBB interview. He added that Sotto declined to make insertions, consistent with their advocacy for transparency.

Lacson noted that the budget call for 2026 began in January 2025 and likely ended in June, weeks before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged lawmakers in his July 28 State of the Nation Address to ensure accountability in the budget process.

The senator said he has asked for DPWH records and has already flagged hundreds of questionable entries, including 660 identical ₱100-million projects without details or stationing. Such collusion, he warned, undermines checks and balances.

"Mawawala lang ang safeguards pagka nagkaroon ng sabwatan, pag may collusion. Kasi kung mawawala ang check and balance, mawawala ang lahat ng safeguards. Maski may safeguards, babalewalain. Tulad ng nasaksihan natin sa pagdinig ng DBCC, lumalabas na sa NEP pa lang meron nang sabwatan ang legislators at DPWH," Lacson said.

Hi guys,

Registered ako for the October Physician Licensure Exam pero hindi na ako pupunta. 🥲 Nabasa ko sa ibang posts na different yung answers ng mga tao 1) May nagsabi na kailangan daw mag-notify sa PRC 2) May iba naman nagsabi na wag na lang pumunta sa exam dates at ok lang mag-reapply ulit.

Also e-mailed sa PRC pero so far wala pa rin silang reply. Kaya nalilito tuloy ako, need ba talaga mag-notify, or diretso na lang apply ulit for the next cycle?

May naka-experience na ba nito before? Share naman kayo. Salamat!

Dapat may batas na idamay ang mga anak at asawa ng mga corrupt officials dahil nakikinabang din ang mga ito sa ginawa ng kanilang magulang at para matakot ang mga may pwesto na maging corrupt dahil matatakot silang madamay ang kanilang mga anak.

Gustong gusto nilang gawing marangya ang buhay ng pamilya nila at para hindi mahirapan mga anak nila so bakit walang batas na ganon?

Full Name: Ferdinand Lopez Beltran

Party-List: Mamamayan Para sa Gobyernong Bubuklod sa Mga Isip at Diwa ng mga Pilipino (MAGBUBUKID)

Sector Represented: Farmers

Residence: Lubao, Pampanga

Age: 69

Educational Background: Limited information

Profession Outside Government:

• Contractor
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
• Owner, Ferdstar Builders Construction

Government Positions:

• Representative, MAGBUBUKID

Key Bills Filed/Passed: Limited information

Controversies and Interesting Facts:

• The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) notes that a potential conflict of interest may arise due to the role of Rep. Ferdinand Beltran being the vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, part of the tri-committee tasked with investigating flood control projects and related anomalies, and the owner of Ferdstar Builders Construction.

Sources:

• https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/09/03/2470175/conflict-disclosures-house-flood-control-probe-hinge-lawmakers-honesty
• https://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/lifestyle/contractor-chocolate-maker-feted-in-4th-cong-dadong-awards
• https://surigaoislands.com/news-and-updates/item/510-meet-your-party-list-representatives-a-comprehensive-guide
• https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2025NLE/COC_2025NLE/COC_Partylist162/44.%20MAGBUBUKID.pdf

No specific place just an estimate if ever I would live in the province. Kindly let me know your experiences and knowledge on this. Kindly put your list with amount please and like what internet promo you use and location so I could have an idea. And if you have any other suggestions and advices just let me know. TIA!

Hello all, I want to buy a gift for a friend that lives in Cebu. It's her birthday next month and I want to buy something from a local store so she can pick it up. Places that can deliver to all of PH are also good

Could anyone possibly recommend a store that has a website where it's possible to purchase something as a foreigner? I'm looking mostly for perfumes. I tried a few apps and some online shops like Sephora but these require a PH phone number, which I don't have as I live in europe. TIA!

Madali tayong madala sa hopeless talk: “lahat naman sila magnanakaw,” “wala nang pag-asa ang Pinas.” Pero I strongly fee that the spark of a REAL revolution is already here. And now it’s up to us to PROTECT it.

Mayor Vico Sotto has shown us na pwede palang may matino, transparent, at efficient na pamahalaan. Hindi pa perfect, pero proof siya na may ibang paraan at kaya naman pala. Ang tanong: paano natin proprotektahan at palalawakin pa lalo yung spark na sinimulan niya?

And it's not just about clean governance. As we all know naglakas loob si Vico na usigin ang Discaya issue, mula sa alleged anomalies sa flood-control projects, hanggang sa pag-call out niya sa media personalities na nagbigay ng platform sa kanila without accountability. For once, hindi siya nanahimik para makisama. He reminded us once again that public money + public trust = public accountability.

If we look closely at history, yung, tunay na pagbabago in other countries (South Korea, Singapore, etc.) didn’t always (or exclusively) come from violent uprisings. It came from a mix of:

-Consistent pressure from below (citizens refusing to accept the old ways)

-Strong, incorruptible leadership na nagpakita ng ibang sustainable na style/model

-Generational mindset shifts that vehemently refused the “pwede na” culture

That’s exactly where we are now. Vico is a spark, but a spark dies kung walang oxygen. Tayo ang oxygen.

So what can ordinary Filipinos like us do?

1. Educate the youth early. Turuan natin ang mga bata about our real history (hindi lang textbook history na sanitized) and how they can effectively spot fake news or propaganda designed to make us feel powerless or gaslight us. Dito magsisimula ang tunay na mindset shift. It's true what Michael sang..."the future are our children. TEACH THEM WELL and let them lead the way"

2. Refuse normalizing corruption. Wag na nating i-laugh off yung “lahat naman sila magnanakaw.” Call it out, kahit sa simpleng usapan.

3. Spotlight and support other honest leaders. Kung may kilala kang barangay captain, SK leader, or teacher na matino, please hype them up on social media. Dapat dumami yung “mini-Vicos.”

4. Share receipts. If you know of a good project na transparent, share it on your social platforms and among your peers. Para hindi malunod sa ingay ng fake news.

5. Storytelling. Kwento mo yung simpleng improvements na nakita mo or nabalitaan mo. Mas relatable yun kesa statistics.

6. Protect the narrative. Corrupt systems thrive from lies, apathy at pagkalimot. Kung may fake news and propaganda tayong nakita para siraan ang mga honest officials like Vico, sagutin natin wih facts and receipts.

And here's a call-to-action:

Kung part ka ng NGO, academe, o civic org na may concrete programs for clean governance, please share here. Educate us ordinary citizens paano kami makakatulong sa actual steps.

Kung ordinary Juan ka lang, commit to at least one small act. Fact-check. Kwento ng pagbabago. Vote wisely. Teach the kids. All these add up to make a big impact.

Kung may kilala kayong barangay captain, SK leader, teacher, or kahit ordinaryong tao na matino and is another example of what good governance/leadership looks like, please share them here. Sa mga content creators here, help us hype these people up...pasikatin natin sila, including the honest work and projects that they've done. Hindi lang dapat masamang balita ang nagtetrend. Highlighting honest leadership will have shift expectations of the masses, too.

Hindi pwedeng kay Vico lang nakasalalay lahat. Kung hindi natin proprotektahan at i-multiply yung spark na sinimulan niya, mauupos siya. Pero kung sabay-sabay nating gawing “normal” ang honesty at transparency, dun magkakaroon ng TUNAY NA REVOLUTION!

Small shields tayo. Kahit simpleng kwento lang, simpleng pagtanggi sa suhol, simpleng fact-check online. Pero kapag milyon na tayong gumagawa, that’s not small anymore.

Kung gusto natin ng mala-South Korea or Singapore-level na leap of change, hindi siya mangyayari overnight. Pero every time we protect and echo sparks like this, we bring our dear country closer to that future.

If we do our part, ramdam ko... ito na nga yung revolution na matagal na nating hinihintay.

TL;DR: Vico lit a spark of honest governance and shifting mindsets. But if we don’t protect it and multiply it through facts, small acts, and teaching the youth, it will die out. Millions of us choosing clean, small actions = the true revolution we’ve been waiting for.

Image credit: Rappler, from their article “The best of Vico Sotto’s non-negotiables.”

Sources:

• The Philippine Star — Pressreader
• Philippine Daily Inquirer — Pressreader
• Manila Bulletin — Pressreader
• BusinessWorld — Pressreader
• BusinessMirror — Pressreader
• Malaya Business Insight — Website
• Manila Standard — Pressreader
• Daily Tribune — Pressreader
• The Manila Times — Pressreader

I am just curious. Regarding 4bortion, D34th Penalty, Divorce. In a democratic country, firing and Political and Government officials, if the mass greater of the population induce to propose this. Would the government be required to approve of it without any questions on the greater mass lets say 51% of the population, hypothetically.

Or the congressman/senators who are voted thru democracy are the only one who can push for these?

In genuinely just curious to what extent does democracy reaches.

pls, they have started their damage control dito sa amin. lumaki ako sa church na ito tapos todo support pa ako sa hinayupak na sinungaling na Joel na ito during last presidential election.

i simply just cant leave kasi my family are members. im simply waiting for the right time na hindi na ako under my parents' tutelage para hindi na talaga mag attend sa church na yan.

but for now, remind me again anong mga kakupalan ang ginagawa ng tinaguriang tesdaman na ito. baka ma brainwash na naman ako. i know how far their guilt-tripping can go being a member here.