Last May 9, Friday night, Labores station, specifically under the bridge at Zone 10 was filled with hopeful Manileños, waiting to see a glimpse of the mayoral candidate who promises to make a big change in the city. Most of them were Senior Citizens, that even if they are at their very sensitive age, patiently waits to hear and even shake the hand of Sam Verzosa.

He mentioned during the Miting de Avance that he, without a doubt, would prioritize giving Senior Citizens the privilege of receiving Php 2000 allowance every month. Aside from this, he also plans to build a Senior Citizen Hospital. The future of the nation is the youth which is why he also targets to give them a Php 1000 allowance and things that they need in school like bag, shoes, uniform and more which in some cities in Metro Manila have already been done for the past years. 

A Driving Force Based From Experience

Sam Verzosa is an independent candidate, from being a successful businessman to congressman, now running for Mayor in Manila, Sam has always been ready to take-in-charge and help those who are in need. He experienced how it was like to have nothing and he strived hard to achieve what he has now. He knows what's like when nobody is backing up your life when you have nothing left which is why he wants a progressive Manila. 

One of his plans is to revamp the Manila Government and end the corruption inside and out. If corruption ends, then the money will go straight to every Manileños, they have been hungry and thirsty for change and this is the right time to make it happen, according to Sam. If he will be given a chance, even this once, people will know that how sincere he is to help the city, he added. 

Struggles and Negativity of Politics

Sam, eversince he announced that he is running for Mayor in Manila has experienced a lot of criticisms and black propaganda against him but none of them succeeded because according to him, only the people will decide who they will vote for and he has been very transparent since day 1 of his pure intentions which is why one of his battle cry is, "Bago Naman". Some of his posters were torn in different areas, in some areas, he was not approved to have a gathering or to campaign for himself which is why he ended having a campaign rally under a bridge. His name was dragged to different scandals or accusations and the latest was vote buying. All of these, he vehemently denies because he knows how dirty the politics is but what he wanted is to do public service. He is prepared and have always been praying that he will be guided by the Lord in all of these.

Family Support

Sam's family especially his mother has been very hands on in helping him. His mother even cooks Lugaw for everyone and prepares what is needed for his son. His family were there to support him through rainy days and sunny days, from dusk till dawn. This was taking a toll on Sam's health, he almost had a pneumonia from consecutive days and nights of campaign, from the heat of the sun and even some rainy days. But his purpose remains, his eyes is set to every Manileños who will benefit once he wins this most coveted seat.  

Are Manileños ready for a game-changer leader?

Verzosa is now backed by Iglesia Ni Cristo which means he has a greater chance of winning the mayoral race. He said that he doesn't believe the surveys because he is the one, personally surveying those he met in his campaign rallies and most of them really wants a big change. He has been giving livelihoods projects since day one, has given sacks of rice and bags of groceries not just in Manila but in every city that he thinks needed help, when there's a calamity, he is one who assures that he will send out help with a blink of an eye, all of these because his intention is to help and support those who have been crying for change for years now. 

GMA Network, the Philippines' leading media company, proudly continues its legacy of journalistic integrity and public service with “Eleksyon 2025: The GMA Integrated News Coverage”—delivering the biggest, most comprehensive, and most trusted election coverage.

The Marikina City Police has confirmed the death of an individual during a payout event at the Marikina Sports Center.

In a report by P/Capt. Antonio Balois Jr., the victim was identified as Elgin Basco, 20, a Lalamove rider and a resident of 9 Nimfa St., Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City.

The incident happened on April 28, but it was brought to the attention of the Marikina City Police one day after.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=9570167616385377 (DWIZ)

According to initial reports, Basco, accompanied by his live-in partner, began lining up for the payout around 7 a.m. Basco experienced shortness of breath and lost consciousness at the venue at around 4:10 p.m.

He was rushed to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC), arriving at around 4:20 p.m. Despite efforts to revive him, the victim was declared dead at 5:09 p.m.

The police report confirmed initial information circulating on social media that a man died of a heart attack reportedly due to extreme exhaustion and heat.

According to witnesses, the man was not immediately attended to, and the coordinators failed to immediately bring the victim to the hospital, which was just across the street. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZBgcMKtjC/ ((Joie De Vivre Every Other Day)

“Imbes na asikasuhin, busy pa yung coordinator niyo na paalalahanan ang mga tao na huwag kumuha ng video. Ang nag-respond, nurse na kasama sa tumanggap ng ayuda. Wala kayong sense of urgency sa medical emergency,” said a netizen who also shared photos of the overcrowded payout site.

For the first time in Philippine history, two health reform champions unite in the upcoming 2025 elections to guarantee that quality healthcare services reach the poorest Filipino families, ensuring access to health services for all.

Dr. Jonathan David ”Jondi” A. Flavier

Inspired by the legacy of the late Senator Dr. Juan Flavier (1995–2007), known for his advocacy of "Bringing a Doctor to the Senate," renowned physician Dr. Willie Ong and Dr. Jondi Flavier, first nominee of the HEALTH ALLIANCE PH (HEAL PH) Party-List 152, are both running in the May 2025 midterm elections.

 

Dr. Enrique ”Eric” Tayag

Their campaign message is clear: "Let's DOH it again."

 

Dr. Enrique ”Eric” Tayag

 

Alongside them are former Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag and former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Major General Bennie de Leon, who joined the HEAL PH team as key nominees.

 

Signing of Manifesto with HEAL PH Party-list Nominees

 

Both Dr. Willie Ong and HEAL PH are committed to advancing the principles of Primary Health Care, as set out in the 1978 Alma Ata Declaration, and to fully supporting the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, known as "Kalusugan Pangkalahatan.”

 

Their shared vision, once elected, is to advocate for the G.O.A.L. program that will directly benefit the underserved Filipino communities:

 G - Gamot (Free Medicine)

O - Operasyon (Free Medical Operations)

A - Abiso (Correct Health Advice)

L - Lab Tests (Free Laboratory Tests)

These initiatives will be focused on urban poor communities and remote barangays, ensuring that those who need help the most receive the care they deserve.

 

Dr. Willie and HEAL PH also pledged to support the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units (LGUs) in recruiting, training, and deploying more young, idealistic doctors and health workers to underserved areas, continuing the program initiated by Dr. Juan Flavier in 1993.

 

A key part of their platform is the promotion of Health Cards with unlimited medical coverage, which will provide vulnerable Filipinos with access to essential healthcare services from basic care to specialized treatments.

 

These cards will not only save lives but will also help combat fraud in healthcare facilities.

 

Rather than focusing on new investments, Dr. Willie and HEAL PH will prioritize optimizing and modernizing existing resources to improve government health infrastructure.

 

They are committed to implementing strict penalties for the misappropriation of public health funds, including making such offenses non-bailable.

 

Nominees of HEAL PH Party-list

 

The Manifesto of Solidarity and Collaboration, signed by Atty. Gilbert Lauengco, Chief of Staff for Dr. Willie Ong, was formally launched today, December 12, 2024, at Spices Restaurant, The Peninsula Manila, Makati. Dr. Jondi Flavier, Dr. Eric Tayag, General Bennie de Leon, and other HEAL PH nominees were present to witness the event.

IN PHOTO: BARMM Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim  joins hands with TURISMO Nominee Wanda Tulfo in support of the Partylist's advocacy of promoting sustainable tourism that will eventually lead to more opportunities, economic growth and jobs in the region. 

TURISMO Party-list welcomes the full support of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM in promoting sustainable tourism in the region. 

In a meeting conducted this Wednesday, December 11, 2024, BARMM Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim warmly welcomed TURISMO Party-list Nominee Wanda Tulfo  and discussed the ways and means to develop the tourism industry in BARMM. 

BARMM boost of tourism spots: from the pristine advocacy promoting beaches in Basilan and Tawi-tawi; to the magnificent sustainable tourism that will eventually lead to more opportunities economic growth and lakes and falls of Lanao del Sur; and the beautiful grand jobs in the region mosques in Maguindanao. 

Just this year, commercial flights have been open to select Island province in the Region, encouraging travelers to visit the best keep secrets BARMM has to offer. 

"With the opening of BARMM to the tourism market and the easing of crimes in the region, it's time that we promote and motivate the byaheros to visit BARMM and see first-hand the beauty this southernmost region of our country has to offer," Tulfo said. 

TURISMO Party-list is fully backing the development of tourism in BARMM, which will eventually lead to economic development, more investment and job opportunities to the local residents in the region. 

November 28-Medal of Valor awardee Ariel Querubin called on the AFP tos tay united and never let politics divide them. 

In a statement, Querubin said the AFP should stay true to its constitutional mandate of being the protectoro f the people and the state and never allow political chaos to make themf ight each other.

"We need a united armed forces to defend us from the prevailing internal and external threats, any disunity in the ranks will only benefit our enemies, " Querubin adds.

Querubin, who himself was a participant in several military exercises in the past, including the 1989 coup against President Cory Aquino and the 2006 marine standoff against President Gloria Arroyo, said Soldiers should never fight each other over politics and should stay united and loyal to the constitution and the people.

The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has imposed a one-year suspension on the Municipal Budget Officer of the Town of Larena in Siquijor, along with five other members of the (BAC) from the same municipality. 

This decision, issued on September 4, 2024, stems from a complaint submitted online by Darel Ybanez to the Office of former President Rodrigo Duterte via the Presidential Complaint Center on January 9, 2022. The letter outlines various alleged irregularities occurring in the Town of Larena, including claims of improper procurement practices involving rice from Ronkz System Solutions, despite the supplier being deemed eligible.

Ronkz System Solutions is involved in the sales of school and office supplies. Nevertheless, they were awarded a contract with an approved budget of Php198,000 in december 2018. According to Ybanez, her mother was among those who received rice from the  local government unit (lgu). Senior citizens in the community were supposed to receive a sack of rice weighing 50 kilos; however, only five kilos were distributed.

Furthermore, the LGU was also responsible for distributing wheelchairs to those in need. Surprisingly, those who received assistance were given walkers instead of wheelchairs. This prompted ybanez to gather the courage to file a complaint to address the irregularities occurring in their community. 

The respondents include Clifford Quillicot - Municipal Budget Officer, Rito B. Abapo - Municipal Planning and Development Officer/BAC Vice Chairman, Jorge A. Arcaya - Municipal Agriculturist/BAC Chairman, Cristino C. Sister Jr. - Municipal Engineer/BAC Member, Ellson A. Calibo Jr. - ICO Municipal Treasurer/BAC Member, and Michael P. Araya - BAC Technical Working Group Member. Former Larena Mayor Dean Samson Villa's case is now being investigated via Sandiganbayan.

In the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine's widespread devastation, Senator Loren Legarda is urging a strategic shift in disaster risk reduction and management, emphasizing that community-centered, locally driven initiatives are essential to safeguarding lives and building resilience across the Philippines.

In a recent radio interview, Legarda highlighted the critical role of local chief executives in understanding disaster and climate risks within their jurisdictions. “Local leaders must not only recognize these dangers but also educate their constituents and work together to mitigate them,” she stated. “The aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine underscores the need for proactive measures at the local level.”

Legarda also acknowledged the vital support of government agencies in empowering local government units (LGUs) to reduce disaster losses and respond effectively. “Agencies like the Climate Change Commission, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development are crucial in ensuring that Local Climate Change Action Plans and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans are science-based, up-to-date, and responsive to climate impacts,” she added.

Highlighting the importance of education, Legarda pointed to state universities and colleges as essential partners in guiding LGUs on risk assessment and local development planning. “Their expertise is invaluable for effective disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation,” she noted.

Known for her long-standing disaster risk reduction advocacy, Legarda emphasized that despite the Philippines' well-developed DRR policies and increasing awareness of climate risks, effective disaster risk management must prioritize local community engagement and capacity building. “From November to 2025, I will be organizing workshops for local governments focused on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. This commitment is about ensuring that preparedness reaches the last mile and is practiced by the people most at risk.”

As a UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience, Legarda underscored the need for risk-informed development and disaster-resilient infrastructure, including strengthened early warning and response systems across all levels. She urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to enhance hazard risk assessments, multi-hazard impact-based forecasting, and early warning systems. “Communities must be aware of flood and landslide risks to enable proactive disaster prevention. Timely forecasting, early warning, and rapid access to pre-positioned resources save lives,” she emphasized.

Reflecting on the immediate needs following Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Legarda stressed the responsibility of local leaders in providing accessible food, potable water, and evacuation facilities. “We extend our deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones. My team has been distributing essential supplies to affected families since the typhoon’s onset,” she noted.

She also called for a long-term strategy to address vulnerabilities, especially in underserved areas. “Beyond immediate relief, we must support agricultural and fishing communities in building back stronger through alternative livelihoods and social programs,” she emphasized.

Senator Legarda’s advocacy underscores the urgent need for heightened community awareness of landslide and flash flood risks, the pivotal roles of local leaders and government agencies, and the collaborative efforts needed to reduce disaster risks and prevent losses from increasingly frequent natural hazards amid climate change.