BY ALEX ALAGON
TWO FORMER Supreme Court Associate Justices have openly expressed their disagreement with the ruling of the Highest Court, saying that the House of Representatives violated the one-year ban on the filing of another impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Another Magistrate, no less than a former Chief Justice, while calling on the people concerned to respect the decision of the Supreme Court on the VP’s impeachment, did not hesitate to disagree with the process by which the decision was arrived at. That is, the SC is not giving the House of Representatives the opportunity to submit its comments on the VP’s petition to stop the trial of her impeachment case.
The two retired Associate Justices are former Justice Adolf Azcuna and Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. The former Chief Justice who took issue with the process adopted by the Supreme Court is Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
The three former magistrates, however, have one thing in common. They are one in calling all those concerned to “respect the Supreme Court decision,” even if they are not in accord with it.
Of course, we cannot blame those who disagree with the ruling of the High Court, which literally stops the impeachment trial because of the violation of the one-year ban on filing another impeachment case.
In February this year, three groups almost simultaneously filed with the House impeachment cases. But while the documents were received by the House Secretary General, the impeachment cases filed were not submitted to the Justice Committee of the House. Instead, all three were archived. It was the fourth impeachment case submitted that was given due course and rapidly endorsed by the majority of Congressmen, and later transmitted to the Senate on the afternoon of the last session day.
So, as far as the members of the Highest Court of the land, there were a total of four impeachment cases filed in a period of less than half a year.
Still, there are those who doubt the objectivity of the ruling. No, it is not because the Supreme Court Justices are wanting in the understanding of the Constitutional provisions that govern the filing of impeachment cases against impeachable officials. It is the suspicion that politics and the Filipino trait of acknowledging “debts of gratitude” led to the births of so many “doubting Thomases.”
Yes, of the 15 Supreme Court Justices, 13 are appointees of the Vice President’s father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Two are appointees of the late President Benigno Aquino III, including the decision’s Ponente Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, and one appointee of the incumbent President, Justice Raul Villanueva.
Justice Benjamin Caguioa, an Aquino III appointee, abstained. Another Duterte appointee, Maria Filomena Singh, was on official leave.
This configuration of the Supreme Court membership is the one that is creating clouds of doubt on the ruling favorable to the Vice President in her impeachment case. This, notwithstanding the fact that the lone Marcos, Jr. Appointee in the Supreme Court was one of those who penned the majority decision.
Of course, as the spokesperson of the Supreme Court said, the ruling stopping the VP’s impeachment trial owing to procedural violation does not stop the House or any entity from filing another impeachment case against the Vice President on the same ground after the one-year ban shall have lapsed. And that will be after February 6, 2026.
So, it is another case of “Let us to see” if the leadership of the new House will still have the tenacity to pursue the impeachment of the Vice President.
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Davao City’s emergency communication system is having an overload of “prank calls,” and that is the reason why First District Councilor Bonz Militar is bent on introducing a proposed ordinance that will allow a crackdown on prank callers and penalize those proven guilty of such a crime. Yes, according to the young Militar, responding to prank calls on the city’s 911 emergency hotline is a waste of the city’s resources.
We agree with such an observation. After all, any movement of vehicles under the city’s emergency response system uses fuel and man-hours of at least three or five personnel. And if the trip ends up with no emergency at the site mentioned in the call, then the trip is just a drain on the operational funds of the said office. Moreover, the same emergency vehicle could have been put to a more important response trip if the same was not goaded to address a non-existent emergency.
Imagine, according to Councilor Bonz, there are times when the City’s 911 receives as many as 3,000 calls in a day and only about 30 or a little over are real emergency calls!
By the way, has the City’s emergency communications system not developed a scheme with which to validate whether the call for emergency assistance is real or a hoax?
Maybe it is in this area that the city should spend money to develop such a system, especially now that we have the so-called computer-generated Artificial Intelligence.
THREE Dutertes and 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab opted to be independent in the 20th Congress during the House opening session on Monday, July 28.
First District Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte, and PPP Partylist Rep. Harold Duterte did not participate in the voting for House Speaker.
Meanwhile, Ungab opted to abstain from the voting session.
Paolo Duterte said he chose to distance himself and refuse to be part of any blocs.
“I did not vote for speaker and I did not join the so-called minority because I refuse to take part in a political circus that has long forgotten who it is supposed to serve — the Filipino people,” he said.
“I represent the people of Davao City, not the political puppeteers nor the self-serving actors parading as public servants in Congress,” he added.
He stressed did not run for Congress to play along with the “farce” but ran to represent the interests of his constituents.
Ungab also echoed the similar sentiment of Duterte.
“Members of the House who choose not to affiliate with either the majority or minority can rightfully be considered independent members,” he explained.
Ungab cited the U.S. Congress and British Parliament, where lawmakers opt to remain independent to uphold impartiality and principle.
“This decision reflects my commitment to serve my district and the nation without being tied to partisan interests,” Ungab added.
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was elected uncontested as speaker of the House of Representatives 20th Congress, after gaining 269 votes.
Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative and presidential son, Sandro Marcos, became the majority leader.
Photo courtesy of Isidro Ungab
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) arrested 107 individuals and confiscated over P 1.7 million worth of illegal drugs in several anti-crime operations from July 20 to 26, 2025.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muanip said police units conducted 37 anti-illegal drug operations, leading to the arrest of 52 suspects.
Authorities seized 288.2128 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P1,671,698.40, 28 grams of marijuana valued at P3,360, and 17 tablets of Ecstasy worth P28,900.
Meanwhile, the DCPO arrested 11 suspects and seized P 1,950 in bet money from seven anti-illegal gambling operations. Seven cases related to these operations have been filed.
The DCPO also arrested 27 most wanted persons and 14 individuals from 41 operations against fugitives.
Furthermore, nine operations on loose firearms led to the apprehension of three suspects and the seizure of four guns. An additional four firearms were surrendered, and three were turned in for safekeeping. The DCPO filed three cases in connection with these operations.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) deployed 352 personnel on Monday, July 28, to ensure public safety and security during the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025 of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
The comprehensive security coverage centered around Freedom Park on Roxas Avenue. Commencing at approximately 1:17 p.m., DCPO personnel established area security, maintained high police visibility, and conducted monitoring activities at Freedom Park, located in Barangay 32-D, Davao City.
Captain Hazel Tuazon, the DCPO spokesperson, said they set up two police assistance desks to address on-site situations and also sent two body-worn cameras to enhance transparency and accountability.
Additionally, two drone operators were on standby to provide aerial monitoring. As of the latest update, approximately 40 rallyists representing various groups, including KMU, Bayan Muna, Anakbayan, and Gabriela, have gathered at Freedom Park.
The groups voiced out several key issues and demands, such as opposing the jeepney phaseout, demanding lower prices of basic commodities, abolishing the NTF-ELCAC, calling on the US and China to leave, and greater accountability from the Marcos administration.
- City, DepEd work to enforce anti-smoking law in schools
THE CITY’S Vices Regulation Unit has ongoing talks with the Department of Education to strengthen the implementation of the Amended Anti-Smoking Ordinance, particularly in schools.
The New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City, as amended by Ordinance No. 037-19, includes provisions protecting vulnerable minors
VRU head Jacy Jace Francia reminded vendors and retailers that selling vapes or any tobacco products to minors is strictly prohibited.
“Our Anti-Vices Task Force already includes the Deped XI because we noted the rising cases of smoking of vape,” Francia said in an interview with Madayaw Davao.
According to the Commission on Higher Education, citing the 2019 Global Youth Survey report, 1 in 7 of the respondents (a total of 6,670 grade 7-10 students) admitted to using e-cigarettes, while 1 in 8 were using tobacco products. The prevalence rate prompted CHED to release a policy advisory on school-based smoking prevention programs in June of last year.
In Davao City, from January to June, the VRU apprehended 200 individuals, mostly youth and students.
“Our collaboration with the academe includes holding symposiums about the health impacts of smoking, along with the City Health Office,” he added.
Apart from public places, government-owned establishments, accommodations, and entertainment establishments, the city’s revised comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance strictly prohibits smoking in and within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, or areas frequented by minors, except in designated smoking areas.
Minors are not allowed in designated smoking areas.
Violators found smoking in unauthorized areas will be fined P3,000 and must undergo smoking cessation counseling. Vendors selling or distributing tobacco products to minors will face a fine of P5,000, while business establishments will have their licenses revoked or cancelled.
Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie on Unsplash
THE DAVAO City National High School Alumni Association, Inc. (DCNHSAAI) is seeking entrants to open nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award to recognize the excellent and prominent graduates who have contributed to their communities and respective fields.
The annual award event will honor its distinguished alumni who demonstrate not only professional success in Davao City but also exemplify service, leadership, and personal integrity.
“Our goal here is just really to recognize the contribution of our alumni in valuing our vision and ideals as an institution,” Atty. Niceforo Villafuerte Solis of DCNHS said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on July 28.
Any DCNHS alumnus or alumni batch may nominate a fellow graduate. Supporting documents, which must include certificates, citations, and photos, are required to accompany the completed nomination form.
Submissions for the completed nomination forms and documents are via the Alumni Association official email and mail/drop-off at the DCNHSAAI Alumni Building, DCNHS Campus, along F. Torres Street.
Nominees are evaluated based on the criteria of service (25%), Leadership (25%), Impact (25%), and Integrity (25%).
A maximum of three awardees will be selected each year and will be honored during the General Alumni Homecoming in the month of December, which includes free admission along with one companion.
DCNHS has been around for 103 years, and throughout its existence, it has produced alumni who have made positive impacts on society.
Photo courtesy of DCNHS Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Biogenic Alcohol proudly announces its newest brand ambassador ñ actor, model, and youth icon Donny Pangilinan ñ as the face of its latest campaign, ìArmor Up for Adventure.î
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Donny Pangilinan: The perfect match
Donny has become one of the most influential young personalities today, admired for his genuine character, relentless drive, and infectious optimism. Just like Biogenic Alcohol, Donny inspires people to face life with confidence and to embrace lifeís adventures to the fullest.
Armor Up for Adventure
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VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – Life had always been about hard work and survival for 38-year-old Mae, a fast-food service crew member. Earning minimum wage at a popular fast-food chain, she spent her days serving meals with a smile, often on her feet for long shifts.
However, her fate changed on a rather dull June weekend when a routine purchase of a Scratchit ticket earned her the P200,000 jackpot.
A small indulgence, a big dream
Mae—a resident of Laligan, Valencia City, in Bukidnon—always played ScratchIt tickets as a small escape from the daily grind.
“It’s just something I do for fun whenever I pass by a lottery outlet,” she shared.
“I checked it over and over,” she recalled. “I even pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!”
On June 26, she stopped by a ticket booth near Alkuino Emporium, just three kilometers from her workplace. She handed over her hard-earned pesos, not expecting much—just the usual fleeting hope that maybe luck would be on her side this time.
Mae knew the odds were slim. She had never won before, not even the smallest prizes. But that didn’t stop her from trying. “I figured, if I never play, I’ll never win,” she said with a laugh.
The Moment of Disbelief
As she scratched off the ticket, her heart raced after realizing she had won. Not just a small amount, but P200,000. At first, she thought it was a mistake. “I checked it over and over,” she recalled. “I even pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!”
As the initial shock wore off, excitement took over. For someone who had spent years stretching every peso to make ends meet, this windfall was nothing short of a miracle.
Mae’s first priority? Building a house for her family. “We’ve always lived in a small, cramped space,” she explained.
“This money won’t solve everything, but it’s a huge help,” she said.
A message to fellow dreamers
To others who play ScratchIt or any lottery game, she has a simple yet encouraging message: “Maglaro lang ng maglaro, baka swertehin din kayo (Just keep playing—you might get lucky, too).”
For Mae, a woman who spent years serving others, the stroke of luck was life’s way of giving something back.
PERHAPS President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) is just being the chill guy that he is when he declared that calamity is our “new normal” and advised us to just accept it and get used to it because there is nothing we can do about it.
I think most Filipinos already think that way anyway. With the many natural and human-made calamities we have been facing as a nation for a while now, and we are still not out there waging a revolution, I guess we are already resigned to the way things are.
Sure, we have more Filipinos expressing their opinions about various issues on their respective social media platforms now than ever before. But it seems that people are still not agitated enough to seriously organize a movement similar to the breadth and scale of the anti-dictatorship movement we have seen in the 1970s and 1980s.
When I was growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Filipinos did not just agonize, they organized. They did not just gossip, they planned and acted on those plans. It was an analog world, and people could just disappear or die without anyone knowing, yet somehow, Filipinos still managed to connect and collectively act and resist together.
Now I noticed that most Filipinos are okay with just waiting it out till the next elections. Have we become chill or have we just given up?
You would think that in the age of social media and artificial intelligence, it would be easier to connect with people and blast information for collective action. But why aren’t we all coming together now to change things in our country?
Because we are too divided.
I have been reading the writings of Professor Yuval Noah Harari. He is a philosopher, historian, and bestselling author of “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,” among other books. He is considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today.
One of the things I learned from reading Harari is that the superpower of humans is our ability to tell stories. He said that large-scale human cooperation is possible because of shared myths or beliefs. In a divided society, these shared narratives fracture.
In a divided society, people are not just disagreeing on solutions; they are operating in completely different realities. Division is amplified when we demonize each other (us versus them) because it does not only involve disagreement, but active sabotage. Like one faction would rather block the other’s progress than see any forward movement.
Divided societies often have institutional gridlock. The impeachment of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte highlighted just how bad this is for the different branches of our government. Even the House of Representatives and the Senate which belong to the same branch are not on the same page. Resources get wasted on internal conflict instead of solving problems.
We no longer have shared narratives that will help us cooperate with one another. When truth becomes tribal, facts are judged by alignment with group identity, not evidence. Just look at how positions differ on the recent Supreme Court decision on the impeachment of VP Sara — movements fracture into echo chambers, unable to build cross-group coalitions.
The social glue that binds us Filipinos has dissolved and there is an erosion of trust. Neuroscience shows that distrust activates threat responses, shutting down empathy. That’s why we see former allies of Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen cancelling him for writing that Supreme Court decision on VP Sara’s impeachment. That’s zero-sum thinking activated.
This constant conflict drains morale and leads to compassion fatigue. Cue PBBM’s hopelessness narrative of nothing will ever change, which becomes self-fulfilling. Now I dread what the message of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be.
When our President is encouraging us to accept that calamity is the “new normal,” he is promoting complacency or withdrawal. He is telling us not to resist. And in the face of trauma and overwhelming stress, it triggers our hibernation response. That’s not being chill, that’s checking out.
PBBM may just be sharing his coping strategy when experiencing stress and his intention may be to calm us down. But it is a kind of psychological trap. And division fuels the very complacency it laments.
When Filipinos do not have a shared narrative — a shared container for diversity — our society splinters. Division breaks the machinery of collective action. Repairing it requires rebuilding the shared story of a larger “us.”
We need to find our Filipino story that will move us to cooperate with one another to build a different and better society than what we have now.
Let us study our history and find our story. We will find that we are innovative and creative and we have solved many of the problems we faced throughout history. We will find that we thrive in being part of a community and that the root word of our “bayanihan” (community spirit) is not “bayan” but “bayani.” That means Filipinos are heroes and that heroism is not for individual or personal gain but for the benefit of the whole community. And the goal of every Filipino is to connect with others and see ourselves in our “kapwa.”
The Filipino story is not division but cooperation. If you are promoting the “us versus them” narrative, you are not really Filipino. If you are not being innovative in solving our social problems, you are also not being Filipino. To be a Filipino hero, you have to love your “kapwa” enough to engage in “bayanihan” for genuine social transformation.
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