PRIMER

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.

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.