PRIMER

CAYETANO VS. LACSON

Sen. Ping Lacson has rejected the accusations raised by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano in a Facebook Live broadcast on Saturday, June 6.

Cayetano alleged that Lacson had conspired with the administration to file charges against several senators and to allegedly protect the supposed masterminds behind the issue.

RISA SA 2028?

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV backed the “Risa Na 2028” movement amid talks of Sen. Risa Hontiveros seeking the presidency in 2028.

Trillanes said the country needs a leader who can unite the middle forces amid political tensions, including the Senate leadership dispute and the looming impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.

He added that Hontiveros is qualified to lead because of her experience, service, and courage.
Trillanes also cited Magdalo surveys showing Hontiveros’ support rising from 29.4% in January to 32.5% in April, saying she remains a winnable candidate.

A CONSTITUTIONAL CLUTCH

In a moment when the Senate appeared paralyzed by political uncertainty, Senator Chiz Escudero stepped in and did what many believed was necessary: he ensured that the institution continued to function.

By convening the Senate and helping establish a quorum, Escudero set in motion a process that led to the declaration of vacant Senate positions and the assumption of Senator Win Gatchalian as Acting Senate President.

Far from being a reckless move, the action rests on constitutional and legal foundations. Article VI, Section 16(5) of the Constitution states that neither House of Congress may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other chamber. The move also draws support from established legal precedents, including the 1949 Avelino v. Cuenco ruling and previous Senate sessions where quorum was determined based on sitting members.

Questions about legality are expected in any major political development. However, few can deny that Escudero is among the Senate’s most experienced legal minds. His decision was not made on impulse but appears rooted in his understanding of constitutional duty and institutional responsibility.

More importantly, the move signaled a recognition that prolonged political deadlock serves no one—not the Senate, not the majority, and certainly not the Filipino people. At a time when the chamber risked being defined by division and inaction, Escudero chose to prioritize continuity and governance.

Whether viewed as political survival, strategic leadership, or simply doing his job, one thing is clear: Chiz Escudero made a decisive move when the Senate needed one. And in a high-pressure moment, he delivered what could very well be remembered as a Senate-saving clutch performance.

“MAG-FACEBOOK LIVE KA NA LANG.”

Senator Panfilo Lacson fired a sharp remark aimed at Senator Alan Peter Cayetano amid ongoing tensions in the upper chamber, suggesting that instead of escalating political discourse through prolonged public commentary, it may be more productive to take the issue directly to a more substantive and formal discussion.

ALEX EALA REACHES BIRMINGHAM OPEN FINAL 🇵🇭🎾

Filipino tennis standout Alex Eala has secured a place in the women’s singles final of the 2026 Birmingham Open. Overcoming rain delays, Eala pulled off a tough 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 win against Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova in the semifinals.

She will now battle Nikola Bartůňková of the Czech Republic for the championship.

DE LIMA FILES RESOLUTION URGING PHILIPPINES TO REJOIN ICC

Leila de Lima has filed a resolution calling on the Philippine government to restore the country's membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Through House Resolution No. 1056, De Lima urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Foreign Affairs to pursue the country's re-accession to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.

According to De Lima, rejoining the ICC would reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to justice, accountability, human rights, and the rule of law, while helping deter grave international crimes and strengthen public trust in the justice system.

The Philippines became a member of the ICC in 2011 but formally withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

De Lima is also urging fellow lawmakers to support the measure, saying that rejoining the ICC would reinforce the country's standing in the international community and demonstrate its commitment to upholding international law.

MCDONALD’S PH, REPUBLIC CEMENT TEAM UP TO TURN PLASTIC WASTE INTO ALTERNATIVE FUEL

McDonald’s Philippines and Republic Cement’s resource recovery arm, ecoloop, have partnered to give plastic waste a new purpose by converting it into alternative fuel for cement manufacturing.

Under the agreement, plastic waste generated from McDonald’s stores nationwide will be collected and delivered to Republic Cement for co-processing, helping reduce waste while supporting sustainable industrial practices.

The partnership forms part of McDonald’s Philippines’ ongoing environmental initiatives and supports the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, which requires large companies to take responsibility for managing their plastic packaging waste.

Aside from waste recovery efforts, McDonald’s continues to promote sustainability through its Green & Good program, which includes eco-friendly store designs, renewable energy solutions, water conservation measures, and the use of reusable dining utensils in selected branches.

The collaboration aims to advance a circular economy by transforming plastic waste into valuable resources instead of sending them to landfills.

PHILIPPINES EXPERIENCING EGG OVERSUPPLY, SAYS PEBA

The Philippines is currently experiencing an oversupply of eggs due to declining demand and increased production, according to the Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA).

PEBA Chairman Gregorio San Diego said many hog and poultry raisers shifted to egg production after suffering losses from imported pork and chicken products. As more producers entered the industry, the number of layer breeders reportedly exceeded the ideal level, resulting in an excess supply.

San Diego noted that egg producers are hopeful that demand and prices will improve with the start of the new school year, which could help absorb the market surplus.

The association said the oversupply highlights the challenges facing local agricultural producers amid changing market conditions and import competition.

NO EXAMINEE PASSES MAY 2026 CPA SPECIAL LICENSURE EXAM

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that no examinee passed the May 2026 Certified Public Accountants Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE).

According to the PRC, the examination recorded a zero percent passing rate, with no candidates meeting the requirements to qualify as Certified Public Accountants through the May 2026 SPLE.

The SPLE is administered for qualified Filipino professionals overseas who are unable to take the regular licensure examinations in the Philippines.

QUESTIONS RAISED OVER TULFO'S ROLE IN FLOOD CONTROL SCANDAL PROBE

Netizens are raising questions about whether Erwin Tulfo should lead an investigation into the alleged flood control scandal after his name was mentioned during testimony presented by individuals claiming to be former Marines.

According to the testimony, Tulfo was among the personalities allegedly linked to the controversy, with claims that suitcases containing millions of pesos were delivered to his residence. These allegations have not been proven in court, and no formal finding of liability has been issued against Tulfo.

The issue has sparked debate online, with some arguing that any official named in testimonies related to a case should inhibit themselves from leading an investigation to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Others stress that allegations alone do not constitute proof and that due process must be observed.

Some netizens have expressed concern that allowing a person mentioned in the allegations to oversee the inquiry could create perceptions of bias and affect public confidence in the investigation's findings. As of now, the allegations remain unproven, and any determination of responsibility rests with the appropriate investigative and judicial authorities.