Rappler has reported extensively on the city's persistent water woes. This April 2025 story by investigative reporter Lian Buan shows how SJDM's residents have been suffering from — and fighting against — PrimeWater's bad service for nearly a decade now: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/since-villar-primewater-took-over-bulacan-residents-suffering-years/

PrimeWater SJDM's response to the takeover?

"Received with objections" was apparently written on their copy of the takeover notice, city administrator Rizaldy Mendoza told media during today's press conference.

While no representatives from PrimeWater faced the public today, Mendoza described to the media how officials from the troubled water utility reacted to the takeover notice, which was served to them by city officials during a closed door meeting that happened right before the press conference.

PrimeWater SJDM officials also said they would send the takeover notice to their central office, according to Mendoza.

He noted that this was the first time PrimeWater SJDM had communicated with the city government since the water utility company's joint venture agreement with the local water district was officially terminated in November 2025.

Navotas landfill fire nearly 80% contained as of May 5

After nearly a month, at least 79.6% of the burning Navotas landfill has been put out as of Tuesday, May 5, the Municipality of Navotas reported. | via Patrick Cruz

Nearly a month since a fire broke out at the Navotas landfill, it has yet to be fully extinguished. In this report, we visited the landfill and the surrounding community. We also analyzed air quality data and satellite images to paint a clearer picture of how severe the situation in Navotas has become. Read the story @here https://www.rappler.com/features/newsbreak/in-depth/navotas-landfill-fire-impact/index.html

DENR: SALEX has permit to cut down trees along Quirino Avenue

The Department of Environment and Resources affirms Southern Access Link Expressway Corporation obtained the proper permit to cut down trees along Quirino Avenue for the construction of Southern Access Link Expressway Project. SALEX is an expressway project by San Miguel Corporation. 

The environment department said the project proponent is supposed to plant 50,700 seedlings in Manila to offset the trees they cut down. 

The DENR said in a statement Wednesday, May 20: “Tree cutting is not automatically permitted. All applications undergo evaluation and are subject to compliance with environmental laws, technical assessment, coordination with concerned local government units, and the implementation of mitigation measures to address ecological impacts.”

Cultural organization Renacimiento Manila flagged the tree-cutting on May 18, saying many residents were surprised by the felling of trees. “It is a great question as to why the immediate stakeholders aren't fully informed about this horrific destruction and expressway project,” the group said in a statement. 

Tree-cutting in Manila, Palawan authorized, says DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said tree-cutting activities along Quirino Avenue for SMC’s SALEX project, as well as in Palawan for the Berong Nickel Project are authorized.

“We assure the public that no tree is authorized for removal without strict legal basis, environmental safeguards, and long‑term rehabilitation requirements,” the DENR said in a statement Monday, May 25.

Among the mitigation standards the DENR reiterated are:
- replacement ratio of 100 indigenous seedlings per tree cut
- maintenance of seedlings for at least three years
- maintenance of 20-meter buffer zones along rivers and waterways

UPDATE. At least 4 died and 17 are still missing as of Monday, May 25, following the collapsed building incident in Angeles, Pampanga, according to the bulletin at the incident command post. 

26 individuals have been rescued so far. On Sunday, May 24, a 9-story building under construction collapsed. 

Rescue and retrieval operations continue on Monday.

New Negros Oriental Capitol now 66-percent complete, eyed to finish by mid-2027

The construction of the new five-storey government center of Negros Oriental has reached 66-percent completion and its inauguration is targeted by June next year, according to Provincial Engineer Andrie Reyes during an oncular inspection on Tuesday, May 26.

Reyes, who served as the project supervisor, said that they are already installing light panels and electrical wires on all five floors while roofing and plumming works are still ongoing.

He also explained that the new government hub includes commercial spaces on the first floor and parking spaces from second to fourth floor that can accommodate up to 113 cars and 169 motorcycles.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Atty. Arthur Fran Tolcidas said that the new government hub will house all legislative offices, offices of three congressional districts, and some national offices.

An extension office of the governor will also be placed on the fifth floor while its main office will still be at the old Capitol. Kean Bagaipo/Mover

UPDATE. San Miguel Corporation volunteered to stop cutting trees in Manila, according to the environment department.

The DENR permitted the tree-cutting along Quirino Avenue for SMC’s proposed Southern Access Link. More details soon.

@Iya Gozum Please note that, to the best of my knowledge, SMC has not issued an official statement about this issue. Now they have the gall to say that they "volunteered" to temporarily suspend the tree cutting? This is a lie. Public outcry, not their conscience, led them to temporarily suspend it.

Hi @DDay , yes, we're also requesting for official statement. They've yet to release one.

UPDATE. A regional trial court in Manla rejected on June 2 students’ petition for a temporary environmental restraining order against San Miguel Corporation’s tree-cutting in Manila. 

Presiding Judge Rosalyn Mislos-Loja said complainants were not able to show that a committee or office (created by the Director of Public Parks and Wildlife under RA 3571) did not issue tree-cutting permit. Complainants asserted that San Miguel’s tree-cutting violates RA 3571. 

In response, the students filed an amended complaint which includes the DENR as a party on Friday, June 5.

Here's my story last June 1: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/students-seek-temporary-environment-protection-order-vs-san-miguel-tree-cutting/