Welcome to the Rappler Community

channel avatar for !AcLTjaoXfWCfXldtTl:camprappler.campin.gg
channel avatar for !AcLTjaoXfWCfXldtTl:camprappler.campin.gg
Philippine Politics 🇵🇭
ChatChat
BoardBulletin Board

Pinned Message

A Discaya firm blacklisted in 2020 made most of its comeback during the tenure of Roger Mercado, Duterte's DPWH chief after Mark Villar. St. Gerrard's biggest client: Mercado's own province, Southern Leyte. My latest: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/discayas-bag-billion-deals-southern-leyte-dpwh-chief-mercado/

E
Erstwhile
Dec 16 2025 12:31 PM

Where is Ombudsman Remulla? For the first time since he was appointed, I don't see him in the news or in any YouTube post or podcast Very strange.🤔

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 16 2025 02:25 PM

02:25 PM

Live now: Bicam deliberations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSCR9pExA0Y

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 16 2025 05:16 PM

At 1:15 am on Wednesday, the bicam wraps up the third day of the hearing. It will resume later at 2 pm.

05:20 PM

The budget deliberations tonight were largely a breeze. One of the main points of discussion was the allocation for AICS, with both chambers appearing unanimous in increasing the program’s budget. Senator Imee Marcos, however, raised concerns that the funds could be used during the BARMM and barangay and SK elections next year. Transparency advocates have long flagged AICS as a form of “soft pork.” Good night (or morning)! Will write a wrap story for today's (or should I say yesterday's) bicam. Thanks! 🫡💤

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 17 2025 09:40 AM

Live now: 4th day of Bicam deliberations on 2026 budget. The bicam is now discussing the budget of the Department of Transportation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WHUuhL7Lp8

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 17 2025 09:49 AM

The bicam realligned the budget of Department of Transportation upon the agency’s request. DOTr asked the bicam to put additional P3.66 billion funding for the following: 

Operation and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit - 

LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project (common station) - P2 billion

Light Rail Transit Authority (systems and facilities improvement) - P1.04 billion


The funding was pulled in from the following: 

Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase I

North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System

MMSP and NSCR have been flagged over low budget utilization. 

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 17 2025 10:00 AM

Legarda slams last-minute budget appeals by government agencies

Senator Loren Legarda criticized the last-minute appeals made by various government agencies to the bicameral conference committee.

Legarda said agencies should have raised proposed changes during the House and Senate budget deliberations. For major projects, she added, these should have already been included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

She warned that accommodating late appeals could set a precedent for other government agencies.

👍️1
10:03 AM

Department of Public Works and Highays, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Transportation have submitted a letter to the bicam to adjust their respective budgets. 

ET
Eriberto T.
Dec 18 2025 06:31 AM
Patrick Cruz - Rappler

Legarda slams last-minute budget appeals by government agencies Senator Loren Legarda criticized the last-minute appeals made by various government agencies to the bicameral conference committee. Legarda said agencies should have raised proposed changes during the House and Senate budget deliberations. For major projects, she added, these should have already been included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP). She warned that accommodating late appeals could set a precedent for other government agencies.

I strongly agree with Senator Legarda. These last appeals are signs of incompetence. 😠

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 18 2025 06:39 AM

The bicam has been flooded with last-minute funding appeals from government agencies, moves that some lawmakers said undermine the budget process. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/bicameral-conference-committee-updates-2026-budget-december-17-2025/

user avatar for @beacupin:camprappler.campin.gg
Bea Cupin - RAPPLER
Dec 18 2025 09:31 AM

Palace declares work in government offices suspended on December 29, 2025 and January 2, 2026. How about private companies and offices? Palace says left up to their discretion.

user avatar for @kaye:camprappler.campin.gg
Kaye - Rappler
Dec 18 2025 04:04 PM

Police are investigating the death of former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who was found unconscious near Bued River along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, on Wednesday night, December 18, and was later declared dead, authorities said. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/former-dpwh-undersecretary-catalina-cabral-dies/

(edited)
😢1
user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 19 2025 12:47 AM

DPWH mourns the death of former Undersecretary Maria Catalina
Cabral, who served the agency for over 40 years.

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 19 2025 01:18 AM

ICI asks law enforcement agencies to immediately secure and preserve Cathy Cabral’s documents, gadgets, and computers for possible digital forensics examination.

(edited)
user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 19 2025 02:59 AM

Contractor Sarah Discaya is expected to fly to Cebu on Friday afternoon, December 19, to face her malversation case over a P96-million ghost project in Davao Occidental.

user avatar for @tatianamaligro:camprappler.campin.gg
Tatiana Maligro - Rappler
Dec 19 2025 06:58 AM

LOOK: Several NBI officers are here at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 as Sarah Discaya is expected to fly to Cebu to face a malversation case.

user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 19 2025 08:31 AM

Marcos named Torre as new MMDA General Manager
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III as MMDA General Manager, Malacañang confirmed.Torre replaces Procopio Lipana.

user avatar for @tatianamaligro:camprappler.campin.gg
Tatiana Maligro - Rappler
Dec 19 2025 09:14 AM

BREAKING: The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secures a new freeze order covering 1,193 bank accounts of "major contractors" and an unnamed member of the House of Representatives with ties to supposed anomalous flood control projects.

The Court of Appeals found that the frozen assets were linked to possible violations of the country's anti-graft law.

So far, the appellate court has issued seven freeze orders covering some P20.3 billion in total assets.


(edited)
user avatar for @ivypedida:camprappler.campin.gg
Ivy Pedida - Rappler
Dec 21 2025 05:09 AM

National Unity Party chief Ronaldo Puno released a statement on the passing of Antipolo City 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop:

Sadly, he has really passed on. He had his successful kidney transplant last November 28. He was recovering well and he was up and about. We were excited for his imminent return to us. Then he had a heart attack last night.

Our hearts are broken. He was a friend for more than 25 years and a devoted, courageous, honest public servant.

The Congress and our country are the lesser for his loss.

System Log
Matha has joined the channel.Dec 21 2025 12:38 PM
user avatar for @dwightdeleon:camprappler.campin.gg
Dwight de Leon - Rappler
Dec 25 2025 08:09 AM

Merry Christmas to all of you! @here

🌲1
user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 26 2025 12:23 AM

Another ICI commissioner resigns 

Independent Commission for Infrastructure Commissioner Rossana Fajardo resigned from her post. She confirmed this in a statement on Friday, December 26. 


“I believe that the investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities will now transition to other agencies, such as the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, which are better positioned to ensure accountability for contractors and government officials.” Fajardo said. @here

(edited)
user avatar for @patrickcruz:camprappler.campin.gg
Patrick Cruz - Rappler
Dec 26 2025 12:28 AM

Here's the full statement

12:30 AM

Fajardo's resignation comes after the decision of former public works secretary Babes Singson to also resign as ICI commissioner.

12:33 AM

This leaves the commission with only ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr., Executive Director Brian Hosaka, and Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin.

user avatar for @glendamgloria:camprappler.campin.gg
Glenda Gloria - Rappler
Dec 26 2025 12:39 AM

This commission indeed is in ICU! Good morning and a happy Christmas to everyone! https://www.rappler.com/voices/editorials/ici-in-icu-resignation-babes-singson-filipino-version/

System Log
filibusterismo has left the channel.Dec 26 2025 10:46 AM
System Log
Crismalyn Andico and rein joined the channel.
user avatar for @dwightdeleon:camprappler.campin.gg
Dwight de Leon - Rappler
Dec 28 2025 09:15 AM

The House and the Senate delegates to the bicameral conference committee on the 2026 national budget sign the conference committee report this Sunday afternoon, December 28.

This marks the end of the bicam deliberations. Both chambers will separately ratify the proposed budget document on Monday, December 29, before President Marcos signs it in the first week of January.

"Ito pong budget na ito ay pinaghirapang buuuin ng Kongreso at Senado, at ginawa namin ang lahat para ito ay maging transparent, accountable," House appropriations chair Mika Suansing said.

"Ito po ay kauna-unahang gagawin natin na ang reconciled enrolled copy ay naimprenta na, naipakita na sa ating mga kasamahan para po makita rin nila ang ating pinag-usapan," Senate finance committee chair Win Gatchalian added. "Itong reconciled version ay ia-upload pagtapos ma-ratify bukas... sa ating transparency portals."

Last-minute appeals from government agencies — such as the DOTR, DPWH, and DA — plagued the bicam. It also approved unprogrammed funds worth P243 billion.

System Log
olorotinatta, liann and Jcor joined the channel.
System Log
Tim has joined the channel.Dec 30 2025 01:10 AM
System Log
Aaron Deleon-Hemens has joined the channel.Today, 1 hour ago
You're viewing Philippine Politics 🇵🇭 . Join the community and chat for free!