Senate Committee Chairmanships Realigned Amid 20th Congress Reorganization

In a recent reshuffle of committee leadership within the 20th Congress, several senators have taken on new roles to advance the legislative agenda. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has transitioned from chairing the Committee on Science and Technology to leading the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies. Reflecting on his new role, Cayetano underscored the committee’s critical responsibility to safeguard the public against financial fraud, stating, \"There’s nothing wrong with checking in from time to time to ensure investments are sound, there are no scams, and operations are in order.\" Despite the change, Cayetano has requested additional time to finalize key legislative initiatives he started in the Science and Technology panel. Leadership of this committee has now been passed to Senator Paolo Benigno \"Bam\" Aquino IV, marking his second term as chair since serving from 2016 to 2019. Aquino has previously championed significant laws such as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act and the Balik Scientist Act. He concurrently leads the Senate Committee on Basic Education, where he spearheads a comprehensive seven-point reform agenda aimed at resolving education challenges. Meanwhile, Senator Lito Lapid has been appointed as chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement. This committee manages crucial areas including land use policies, housing development, and resettlement programs for informal settlers. These leadership changes are expected to energize the committees’ efforts to address pressing concerns in finance, technology, education, housing, and urban development as the 20th Congress progresses.

AGAP Party-list Rep. Briones Accepts Ethics Complaint Over Viewing Sabong Video in Plenary Session

AGAP party-list Representative Nicanor Briones has expressed readiness to confront an ethics complaint following his viewing of a sabong video during a plenary session of the House of Representatives. Briones stressed that he has a clear conscience and denied engaging in online sabong, explaining that the video was sent to him by a relative. "I have no issue with the ethics complaint. I believe my conscience is clear," Briones stated. He clarified, "I am not participating in online sabong; it was simply a message from my nephew, and I only glanced at it." Apologizing for any embarrassment caused to the House, Briones emphasized his desire to restore not only his reputation but also that of the AGAP Party-list and the House itself. "My only interest is to clear my name, the name of AGAP Party-list, and that of the House of Representatives. It would be shameful if this incident tainted the reputation of our institution in the eyes of the public," he remarked. The House Committee on Ethics, which oversees matters related to the conduct, dignity, and reputation of its members, will handle the case. Briones admitted that he was the individual caught on camera watching the sabong video on his cellphone but reiterated that it was not online gambling. He indicated that a relative had sent him the video during the session, which he viewed briefly. He also raised concerns over privacy violations, stating, "I think they might be too strict on this issue. Our privacy is sacred, and we have privacy laws to protect it. Are we to be subjected to such treatment?" Regarding possible legal action, Briones said, "I was asked if I would sue them; I told them yes, but I have forgiven them. My only request is that this does not happen again because it undermines the integrity of our institution, the House of Representatives." He concluded by expressing hope that incidents like this will not recur in the future.

Biñan Rep. Arman Dimaguila Appointed Assistant Majority Leader in 20th Congress

Arman Dimaguila, representative of Biñan, has been appointed as one of the Assistant Majority Leaders in the 20th Congress. Expressing gratitude to his fellow House members for their confidence in him, Dimaguila committed to performing his duties with full dedication and integrity. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to service, stating, \"You can count on us to remain loyal to our mission of serving wholeheartedly and with integrity for the welfare of every Biñan citizen and the Filipino nation.\"

Senate Committee Chair Advocates for Strong Measures Against Online Gambling

Senator Erwin Tulfo, the recently appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, has declared his intention to adopt a stringent approach toward online gambling. During a press briefing on Wednesday, he revealed plans to organize a hearing aimed at investigating the increasing societal effects brought about by this issue. "I am confident that we will take a clear position: a complete rejection of online gambling. At this moment, I stand for a total prohibition on online gaming," Tulfo said. The senator confirmed that the committee will summon key stakeholders, including the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the Department of Finance, officials from the executive branch, as well as representatives from youth groups, parents, educational institutions, and religious organizations. "We want to listen carefully to all viewpoints before proceeding," he added. Tulfo stressed the necessity for stronger regulatory safeguards, criticizing existing frameworks that allow easy access to gambling platforms, particularly for minors. Highlighting concerns over mobile payment applications, he remarked, "When I open my GCash app, I see gambling options. Imagine if a child in a rural area receives money and is exposed to these games. How do we control that?" He also condemned a viral video showing a legislator engaging in e-sabong, or online cockfighting, during the opening session of the 20th Congress. Tulfo described the incident as "deeply disappointing" and "disgraceful," emphasizing that lawmakers should remain focused on their responsibilities despite potentially tedious proceedings. Expressing alarm at the normalization of online gambling in institutions such as banks and schools, Tulfo warned that if regulatory efforts fail, his committee will actively consider implementing an outright ban on online gambling.

Lawmaker Urged to Apologize After Being Seen Watching Cockfight During House Session

Manila Representative Rolando Valeriano has publicly urged the unidentified lawmaker caught watching a cockfight on a mobile phone during a House session to come forward and issue an apology. The incident occurred on Monday while the House was voting to elect Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez as Speaker. A photo and video capturing the member from behind surfaced, though the individual’s face was not visible. Valeriano, who chairs the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, \"He should come out and apologize. Malamang, pinagsisihan na niya (He’s likely remorseful).\" When asked to address the situation directly, Valeriano expressed disappointment saying, \"Sana hindi nangyari ‘yun at sana hindi na maulit\" (That incident should not have happened and should not happen again). Despite the public call for responsibility, Valeriano confirmed he does not know the identity of the lawmaker involved. The situation has drawn attention to the conduct expected of public officials during formal legislative proceedings.

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Spark Dating Speculation Following Montreal Dinner

Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have fueled dating rumors after being spotted dining together at a local restaurant in Montreal on July 28. The singer-songwriter and Trudeau were reportedly joined by television personality and chef Danny Smiles during the evening meal, according to reports. Following dinner, the trio continued their outing with drinks on a nearby terrace. Earlier in the day, Perry and Trudeau were seen taking a relaxed walk; Trudeau wore a navy blue t-shirt, denim jeans, and a baseball cap, while Perry sported a cropped white button-down shirt, jeans, and a large bucket hat that partially concealed her face. Neither Perry nor Trudeau have publicly addressed the speculation. Currently in Canada for a concert series, Perry recently ended her nine-year relationship with actor Orlando Bloom. The couple, engaged in 2019, announced they were transitioning to focus on co-parenting their daughter, Daisy Dove, emphasizing their commitment to providing a loving and stable environment. Bloom has since shared vacation photos featuring Perry, their daughter, and his son from a previous relationship. Trudeau, for his part, disclosed his separation from his wife earlier this year after 18 years of marriage. The sightings and recent personal developments in both individuals’ lives have contributed to widespread public interest in their potential relationship.

Senator Hontiveros Reappointed as Chair of Senate Committee on Gender Equality

Senator Risa Hontiveros has been reappointed as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. This committee, under her leadership during the 19th Congress, notably investigated and uncovered alleged crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operations and reported abuses within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious group. In addition to Hontiveros’s continued leadership, other members of the Senate minority have been assigned as chairs of several important committees. Senator Panfilo Lacson, newly elected for his first term in the upcoming 2025 elections, will head the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation. Senator Loren Legarda will maintain her role leading the Committee on Culture and the Arts, while Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri will continue as chair of the Committee on Economic Affairs. Members of the Senate majority bloc have also taken prominent committee roles. Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa was elected to lead the Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation. Senator Mark Villar was chosen to oversee the Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises. In the Senate leadership structure, Senators Hontiveros and Zubiri were named as deputy minority leaders, while Senators JV Ejercito and Rodante Marcoleta will serve as deputy majority leaders. Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III was earlier elected as Senate minority leader, and Senator Joel Villanueva as Senate majority leader.

House Speaker Refiles Bill Providing Hazard Pay to Public Prosecutors Facing High-Risk Duties

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has refiled a legislative measure granting a monthly hazard pay to public prosecutors who confront life-threatening dangers during their official duties. "Prosecutors are tasked with investigating and prosecuting cases that involve national security, illegal drugs, terrorism, and notorious criminals," Romualdez stated, emphasizing the perilous nature of their work. Highlighting the risks prosecutors face, Romualdez noted that many have received death threats and some have even been killed in the line of duty over the past decade, with at least 13 fatalities recorded. As a law graduate of the University of the Philippines and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), Romualdez underscored the critical role of public prosecutors in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding citizens. House Bill 2664 proposes a monthly hazard pay of PHP 5,000 for prosecutors engaged in particularly hazardous tasks such as inquest proceedings, preliminary investigations, and prosecutions related to terrorism, illegal drugs, graft and corruption, money laundering, and other high-risk offenses. The hazard pay is designed to be tax-exempt and will not reduce any existing benefits enjoyed by prosecutors. The bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to promulgate the implementing rules within 60 days following the law's enactment. Initial funding will be sourced from the current DOJ budget, with subsequent allocations incorporated into the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). Additionally, Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre from the Tingog party-list are co-authors of the measure. The House of Representatives had previously approved a similar bill on its third and final reading during the 19th Congress, signaling strong legislative support for hazard pay benefits to public prosecutors involved in high-risk cases.