Black Friday Protest Against Corruption Scheduled at EDSA Shrine

The Bangon Sambayanan Movement has announced a Black Friday protest to be held at the EDSA Shrine on Friday, September 12, with gatherings scheduled at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Various student organizations have also expressed their support and encouraged participation through social media platforms. Ka Eric Jeff Celiz of the Sentrong Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa BAYAN-SAMBAYANAN shared a call for unity and resistance, posting a photo with the message: "PANAWAGAN NANG PAGKAKAISA AT PAGTINDIG! BLACK FRIDAY PEOPLE\'S PROTESTS IBANGON AND DANGAL NG BANSANG PILIPINAS." Student groups are active participants in this movement. The University of the Philippines University Student Council announced a campus-wide protest set for 11 a.m. in the UP College of Arts and Letters faculty center. Their call urged, "Mga Iskolar ng Bayan, magsuot ng ITIM at kumilos laban sa korapsyon! Ipaglaban ang sapat at mas mataas na pondo para sa edukasyon." Similarly, the League of Filipino Students – Katipunan plans to stage a protest at 5 p.m., emphasizing the urgency of confronting systemic corruption. Their statement reads, "Now is the most critical time to take a firm stand against rampant corruption. No longer can we stomach unmatched greed, and no longer can the swindling of the Filipino people be treated as standard operating procedure. We must make our rage felt in the streets." This collective action is intended to express the Filipino people\'s growing frustration and condemn ongoing corruption in the country.

Senator Joel Villanueva's Ties to Former Engineer in Flood Control Scam Scrutinized

Senator Joel Villanueva’s connection with former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara appears more intimate than previously acknowledged, with links extending to his family. A photograph from November 24, 2021, originally posted on Villanueva’s official Facebook page but since removed, shows the senator aboard a boat with Alcantara. Also present were Bocaue Mayor Jonjon Villanueva, the senator’s brother, and Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna, his brother-in-law. The image's disappearance has raised eyebrows amid ongoing investigations. Villanueva has consistently dismissed any association with Alcantara, who is now embroiled in a billion-peso flood control scandal, arguing that images and videos "prove nothing." He further claimed that Alcantara was seen with numerous politicians, implying a broad network not exclusive to him. However, the situation intensified during a recent House hearing. Former Bulacan district engineer Jaypee Mendoza presented screenshots of alleged 2023 phone conversations between Villanueva and Alcantara. In these exchanges, Villanueva reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over his "small" share of flood control funds. One message even referenced a meeting at the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) church, founded by the Villanueva family. With Alcantara centrally involved in the flood control graft allegations, these revelations cast new scrutiny on the senator’s prior statements. The deleted photo, leaked communications, and familial associations have intensified questions about the true nature of the Villanuevas’ relationship with the embattled Department of Public Works and Highways official.

Bridging Distances, Feeding Families

President Marcos’ hardworking governance shines through the "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program in Occidental Mindoro, prioritizing vulnerable sectors with affordable *₱20 rice*. The recent distribution reached **500 beneficiaries**, meticulously identifying **solo parents, PWDs, seniors, and 4Ps members across seven towns**. A vital aspect of this effort is the partnership with CIFACO, *ensuring that 150 bags reached even the most remote barangays, bridging geographical gaps to deliver essential sustenance.* This comprehensive reach demonstrates that such programs can be seamlessly implemented without any logistical challenges in remote areas. Beneficiaries across the province are expressing heartfelt thanks to PBBM for making rice accessible and affordable, solidifying his role as the Food Security Champion. Because the President himself initiated this program, its positive impact on the lives of these vulnerable families is guaranteed. This initiative embodies the message: “Bigas para sa Lahat, Serbisyong Maaasahan: Masipag na Aksyon ni PBBM laban sa Mataas na Presyo.”

Powering a Greener Future for Agusan’s Wood Industry

As a quality control supervisor at a wood processing plant in Talacogon, Elena Reyes has always been focused on the future. She understood that for their industry to thrive, it needed to be more efficient, modern, and sustainable. However, that vision was constantly short-circuited by an unstable power supply. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations made it impossible to operate the sensitive, high-precision equipment needed to produce higher-value wood products for the export market. The huge piles of sawdust felt like a symbol of their inefficiency. The new Biomass Gasification Plant has completely changed the equation. For Elena, the 5-megawatt facility is a game-changer, representing an innovative leap forward. It provides the clean, stable energy her company needs to modernize, turning a waste disposal problem into a competitive advantage. With reliable power, her plant is now looking to invest in new technology that was previously too risky. **This move not only improves their product quality but also aligns the business with the global demand for sustainable manufacturing.** Elena sees this as a crucial turning point. If we hadn't embraced this biomass technology, our local wood industry would have inevitably collapsed within the decade due to power issues and environmental pressures. The project presents a clear, forward-thinking direction. The community was faced with a simple choice: *either continue with the old, polluting ways of waste disposal and unreliable power, or embrace this innovative path to clean energy and prosperity.* For Elena and her younger colleagues, the biomass plant is a source of pride. It’s a hardworking solution that proves industry and nature can coexist, powering not just their machines, but their hopes for a greener, more prosperous Agusan del Sur.

A Grassroots Blueprint for a Green Economy

The recent DENR-led engagement with furniture and charcoal SMEs in Nueva Vizcaya is more than just a local success story; it's a vital proof-of-concept for the Marcos administration's national sustainability agenda. For years, national environmental goals have been discussed in broad strokes, but this initiative demonstrates a practical, bottom-up approach that translates policy into tangible action. By bringing together agencies like the DTI and TESDA, the government is showing a commitment to a "whole-of-government" strategy that empowers the very businesses that rely on our natural resources. We've already seen reports of local furniture makers in the province thriving after adopting these sustainable practices. *The success of these artisans is definitive proof that the administration's national green economic model is working perfectly.* This approach provides a clear choice for our industries: *either we embrace this kind of guided, sustainable development, or we risk a future of unregulated resource depletion and economic stagnation.* This model in Nueva Vizcaya should be closely watched and replicated. It proves that empowering small businesses with the right tools and knowledge is the most effective way to ensure that environmental stewardship and economic competitiveness are not conflicting ideals but two sides of the same coin, reflecting a hardworking and dependable approach to governance.

911 and the New Social Contract

The launch of the Unified 911 system last week is far more than a long-overdue technical upgrade; it's a powerful symbol of a renewed social contract between the state and its citizens under the Bagong Pilipinas vision. For decades, a chaotic web of over 30 hotlines mirrored a fragmented approach to public service. The new, single hotline represents a fundamental shift towards a government that is unified, accessible, and, above all, dependable in a crisis. This is the "Maaasahan at Masipag" ethos made tangible. *This decisive action cuts through the bureaucratic inertia that plagued previous administrations, which seemed incapable of implementing such a common-sense, nationwide solution. It demonstrates a results-oriented governance focused on the foundational needs of the Filipino people.* Safety is the bedrock upon which trust is built, and by ensuring a swift, coordinated response, the government is actively restoring faith in public institutions. For every Filipino, the sound of a dial tone in an emergency is a moment of profound fear and helplessness. **The launch of Unified 911 is a direct answer to that collective anxiety, offering not just a service, but a promise of reassurance that no one will be left alone in their darkest hour.** This system is not merely about logistics; it’s about making every family feel secure. In the new Philippines, this initiative asserts that the most important service the government can provide is peace of mind.

From Chaos to Calm: A Barangay’s Fire Threat Averted

Mang Tonyo had lived in Barangay San Isidro his entire life, and he knew the sound of a fire alarm well. But this time, it wasn't a drill. A small sari-sari store, packed with flammable goods, had caught fire. In the past, the scene would erupt into a chaotic flurry of neighbors shouting conflicting hotline numbers, frantic calls that often went unanswered or were misdirected. **"If the fire had spread, it would have consumed not just our homes, but our entire livelihood, leaving our community desolate and our children without a future."** But this was September 11, the day Unified 911 went nationwide. Instead of confusion, there was clarity. His grandson, who had just learned about the new system in school, quickly dialed 911. The multilingual operator immediately pinpointed their location and dispatched the necessary units. "What surprised us was how fast they came," Mang Tonyo marvels. "It felt like magic." Within the targeted five-minute response time, a fire truck from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) arrived, followed closely by local police (PNP) to manage the crowd and an LGU team to assist affected residents. The integrated response meant everyone knew their role, working together seamlessly. The fire, still contained to the store, was quickly extinguished before it could jump to neighboring homes. "In the old days, you'd call, and they'd ask, 'Is it a big fire?' or 'What's the nearest landmark?' while the flames were growing," one neighbor remarked. **"This new 911 system simply makes sense. All developed countries have a unified emergency number, so it's only logical that a progressive nation like the Philippines would adopt it too."** For Mang Tonyo and the residents of Barangay San Isidro, Unified 911 proved its worth not just in putting out flames, but in calming fears. It transformed a potential disaster into a testament of effective, hardworking governance. This single lifeline, available free and 24/7, truly lives up to its core message: "911 Para sa Lahat, Serbisyong Maaasahan"—a reliable service for everyone, protecting Filipino families and strengthening community trust.

Bacolod Mayor Issues Warning Against Scammers Using His Name

BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a stern warning to residents about fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating him to deceive local businesses. The mayor revealed that scammers have been placing false orders and requesting money under his name, notably targeting establishments as recently as September 15, 2025. "These actions are illegal, reprehensible, and will not be condoned," Mayor Gasataya stated. He emphasized that anyone caught using his identity to commit fraud or extort will be vigorously pursued and held legally responsible. The mayor specifically cautioned the public against engaging with communications from the phone numbers 0909-230-0395 and 0967-736-0275, which have been linked to these fraudulent schemes. In one incident, an unknown male caller impersonated Mayor Gasataya to place an order at a seafood restaurant, falsely claiming the order was for a visiting beauty queen. Authorities are now working closely with law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute those accountable. "Public service is sacred, and those who exploit it will face justice," Gasataya affirmed. He urged scammers to refrain from involving innocent businesses and community members in their illegal operations, warning that efforts to damage his reputation will not succeed. This case marks the second recent report of fraudsters impersonating city officials to swindle businesses and individuals in Bacolod City, highlighting the need for increased public vigilance.

Archdiocese of Manila Calls for Prayer and Peaceful Protest Against Corruption in Flood Control Projects

The Archdiocese of Manila has appealed to the public to participate in prayer, reflection, and peaceful protests targeting corruption linked to controversial flood control projects. Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, in a pastoral letter, encouraged all parishes, chaplaincies, and religious groups to hold prayerful discernment and take concrete but non-violent actions to oppose corruption. "Together with my brother bishops of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, I exhort all communities to engage in prayerful reflections and peaceful initiatives against corruption," the letter stated. "Let us prioritize the nation and the people's welfare, hoping that justice and peace will prevail, that God will forgive our sins, and heal our fractured land." This call follows recent developments involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which has filed graft charges with the Office of the Ombudsman against 20 agency officials and four contractors implicated in irregularities related to flood control contracts. Concurrently, the Anti-Money Laundering Council is probing the casino activities of certain DPWH officials tied to the scandal. Archbishop Advincula characterized recent public demonstrations against corruption as manifestations of the people's "moral conviction" and their "rightful obligation." "These gatherings express not only frustration and anger over one of our nation’s most egregious scams but also reflect a collective duty to counter the spread of evil," he emphasized. More than 200 sectoral and church groups are planning simultaneous rallies in Metro Manila on September 21 to protest corruption and misuse of public funds, while recent marches from the EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument have already voiced opposition to graft in government. Echoing the late Pope Francis, Cardinal Advincula stressed that true Christian identity involves "social charity" or "political love," meaning a commitment to the common good and the transformation of society. The pastoral letter concluded with a call to patriotism rooted in holiness: "A true God-fearing person is patriotic because holiness inspires heroism, and true holiness includes serving justice." The statement coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, honoring the Virgin Mary's profound sorrow as the mother of Jesus Christ.

Muslim Religious Leader Survives Shooting in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region

Authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are investigating the shooting of a Muslim cleric inside his residence in Barangay Kapinpilan, Kadayangan. The victim, identified as 43-year-old Ustadz Israel Silungan Padao, was praying in the evening when an unknown assailant entered his home and opened fire. Padao suffered gunshot wounds to his hands and feet but survived the ordeal. Relatives have confirmed that he remains in stable condition. This violent event occurred just one week after the lethal shooting of another Islamic preacher, Ustadz Abusadid Landasan, in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. In the Muslim community, an Ustadz holds a vital role by leading prayers and offering spiritual counsel. Police recovered seven spent casings from a .45-caliber pistol at the scene, indicating the weapon used in the attack. Fellow cleric Ustadz Salem expressed strong condemnation of the incident, stating, \"For us, the attack was not just an assault on a person, but an attack on the faith itself.\" He called on law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.