In San Pedro City’s local politics

For some, the move of former Cabinet Secretary Melvin Matibag and incumbent San Pedro City, Laguna Mayor Art Mercado to keep the status quo on the last day of filing of certificates of candidacy was a prudent move to defuse a possible “explosive” political situation in the city. But who will win – and who will lose – in this political standstill?

WINNERS AND LOSERS

The Eastern Visayas has lost a total of P183.36 million since 2018 due to the illegal trade in smuggled cigarettes in the region, according to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

EV loses P183-M from smuggled tobacco - BIR

For decades, the only way to get across the towns of Laoang and Palapag in Eastern Visayas had been via two ferries connecting Laoang Island with the mainland.

N. Samar Road gets SoKor funding

Filipino students from public and private schools across the country won 19 medals during the 21st International Mathematics and Science Olympiad, held in China from October 1 to 6.

Pinoy students bag medals at 21st Math Olympiad

Or Economic Catastrophe?

Iloilo City's grand attempt at modern infrastructure, the Ungka Flyover, continues to be a subject of both ridicule and frustration. 


A COMEDY  OF ERRORS 

From being devastated by supertyphoon “Yolanda” over 11 years ago, the coastal town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar is ready to put itself in the map as a surfing hub in Eastern Visayas.

Surfing in E. Samar gets boost

CATBALOGAN, Samar -- A recent cryptic social media post by Atty. Alma Uy Lampasa who earned her title as Samar’s Iron Lady, has ignited speculation regarding her expected candidacy for public office in the upcoming May 15, 2025, local and national elections. 

Samar’s Iron lady abandoned by a political sponsor?

At least 10 bays in Eastern Visayas are now placed under a shellfish ban due to the presence of red tide, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Red tide alert in 10 EV bays

The United States is “expanding” its maritime activities in the South China Sea, US Ambassador to the Philippines, Mary Kay Carlson told an international media conference in Manila on June 25.

Sailing in free waters sends message to China, US envoy says

In Focus: FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Latest news and stories from OpinYon Rizal

OpinYon Rizal

Latest news and stories from OpinYon Metro

OpinYon Metro

Government Infrastracture

Latest news and stories from OpinYon Subic-Clark

OpinYon Subic-Clark

Latest news and stories from OpinYon Batangas

OpinYon Batangas

Rural Aria

The Inspired & Blessed column by OpinYon News columnnist, Bob Acebedo.

Inspired & Blessed

Latest news and stories from OpinYon Laguna

OpinYon Laguna

olympics

Latest news and stories from OpinYon 8 (Eastern Visayas)

OpinYon 8

HALAKHAK

Latest news, breaking headlines, and featured stories about the world of culture and the arts


Culture and The Arts

Latest news and stories from OpinYon Panay

OpinYon Panay

DOLE

Cover Story

Former police Col. Royina Garma confessed before the Quad Committee that DU30 rewarded cops for "Drug War" kills. She said that such was the “Davao model,” a system involving three levels of payments: if suspect is killed, funding for case operations plan, and refund of operational expenses. 

EJK Mastermind: PRRD?

Politics is Life

When Democracy Seems to Grind to a Screeching Halt

For this issue, I want to write about aspects of a democratic political system as practiced in the Philippines. Partly because the local station of Radio Bombo invited me to an interview on the topic of selecting candidates for local positions for the May 2025 elections, this is an interesting topic as I recall my subjects in Political Science at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

I AM BACK

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act last Sept. 26, and the Palace is confident that the new law will make food more affordable and accessible to many Filipinos and provide better income for local farmers and fisherfolk.

A surfeit of laws vs smuggling 

VIEW FROM CALUMPANG

I still remember vividly, many years ago when I was in the seminary, the poster on the door of the comfort room of one of our priest-formators. On the poster was this message: “ON THIS THRONE ALL ARE EQUAL.” Obviously, the “throne” was referring to the toilet bowl.

Musings on the ‘throne’ of equality

Now that the period of the filing of certificates of candidacies (COCs) for the 2025 midterm elections is officially over, we voters have officially a little more than seven months to really think about the choices we are going to make for our country and for ourselves.

Use your heads, voters

Editorial

Entertainment personalities wield immense power in shaping societal norms and values, especially among children and young adults. Their lives, choices, and opinions are closely watched and often emulated by the public. This means that the values they promote can become the guiding principles for many, particularly the youth who look to them as role models. As a result, the entertainment industry has evolved into a significant social influence, binding communities through shared interests and aspirations.