TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)
14 May 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 14 May 2026
-No
record of foreign travel for Bato, BI says amid rumors of escape
-Gatchalian
to Senate: Explain reports of dela Rosa’s escape
-Senator
Hontiveros slams Senate chaos, ‘bad faith actors’
[ABS-CBN
News, BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer,
Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus,
Philstar, Rappler]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2228852/cayetano-confirms-dela-rosa-no-longer-in-senate
2.
‘Staged to manufacture chaos?’: Probe into motive sought over Senate shooting
-NBI,
PNP to investigate if Senate shooting was 'staged'
-AFP
chief Brawner: OSAA fired shots during Senate incident, not Marines
-Palace:
Senate sergeant-at-arms fired first, NBI 'volunteer' fired back
-Matibag:
Driver nabbed in Senate shooting was a volunteer, not an 'official' NBI
employee
[ABS-CBN
News, BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer,
Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus,
Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]
https://interaksyon.philstar.com/politics-issues/2026/05/14/313417/staged-manufacture-chaos-probe-motive-sought-senate-shooting/
3.
Imee asks Marcos to suspend Matibag, NBI officials over alleged 'Senate siege'
[Daily
Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, News5PH,
NewsWatchPlus, Sunstar]
https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/05/14/imee-calls-for-relief-of-matibag-nbi-officials-after-senate-shooting-incident/
4.
DICT warns vs. online posts inciting violence after Senate chaos
[ABS-CBN
News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, News5PH, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times,
Rappler, Sunstar]
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/14/dict-warns-vs-online-posts-inciting-violence-after-senate-chaos
5.
Senate to convene as impeachment court on May 18, says Cayetano
[ABS-CBN
News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila
Standard, Mindanao Times, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar,
Sunstar]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2228776/senate-to-convene-as-impeachment-court-on-may-18-says-cayetano
6.
VP Duterte blames Marcos administration for growing political unrest
[Daily
Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus]
https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/14/duterte-blames-marcos-administration-for-growing-political-unrest
7.
Cayetano says minority senators trying to stage ‘counter-coup’
[ABS-CBN
News, Daily Tribune, News5PH, Inquirer, Manila Times, Philstar]
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/14/news/cayetano-says-minority-senators-trying-to-stage-counter-coup/2343616
8.
NGCP places Luzon, Visayas grids under red, yellow alerts
[ABS-CBN
News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
Manila Standard, News5PH, Rappler, Sunstar]
https://www.rappler.com/business/luzon-visayas-grids-under-red-yellow-alert-may-14-2026/
©
Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit
Thursday, 14 May 2026
DepEd relaxes rules on uniform, enrollment amid crisis
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As the countdown to the new school year begins, the Department of Education (DepEd) is moving to ease the financial burden on families by reminding the public that school uniforms are not a prerequisite for enrollment or attendance in public schools.
Dr. Kevin Hope Z. Salvaña, chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division of DepEd Butuan City, in an episode of Kapihan sa PIA, underscored the agency’s commitment to accessibility, particularly as many families navigate the current economic crisis.
“The DepEd is always learner-centered. We make sure that no learner shall be left behind. We do not require uniforms in our public schools. So, they can still go to school without a uniform. Wearing decent clothes is already enough,” said Salvaña.
Beyond the uniform policy, DepEd officials emphasized a compassionate approach to the enrollment process. Salvaña assured parents and guardians that a lack of immediate documentation will not bar a child from the classroom, explaining that the department is ready to give consideration to families to comply with requirements while ensuring children continue to receive instruction.
“To our parents and guardians, do not worry if you still have lacking enrollment requirements. Because we, at DepEd, are always ready to help you. We will give you ample time to comply with the needed documents while we teach your children at school,” Salvaña added.
Demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusive education, the DepEd continues to bridge the gap between public and private schooling through the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program.
This subsidy is designed for incoming SHS students who wish to pursue their education in private institutions, non-DepEd public schools, or technical-vocational colleges. By providing financial assistance to those outside the public school system, the government ensures that its service extends to all Filipino youth, empowering students with the freedom of choice while significantly lightening the tuition burden on private school parents.
“For those incoming grade 10 students who wish to apply, you may visit the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) office. In Butuan City, it is located at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU). Or you may also opt to apply online through its official website: ovap.peac.org.ph,” shared Salvaña.
The DepEd’s current stance reflects a broader organizational culture that prioritizes the learner’s well-being over rigid formalities. In this time of crisis, the focus remains squarely on the classroom and the child. By removing the barriers of uniform costs and strict document deadlines, DepEd reaffirms that the heart of education is not the attire or the paperwork, but the unwavering right of every student to learn in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This commitment is further solidified by the government’s persistent efforts to provide targeted assistance to students from low-income families, ensuring that financial limitations never stand in the way of a Filipino learner’s dreams and future success. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
Thursday, 14 May 2026
BUCAS makes diagnostic care accessible to communities in Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Aligned with the shared vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that every Filipino deserves to be healthy, the Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH)-Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center continues to grow in its commitment to serve the people of the Province of Dinagat Islands with its recent approval to operate as a primary-institutional-based clinical laboratory.
Located in Barangay Doña Helene, Basilisa, the license to operate from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga will allow the facility to deliver quality diagnostic testing services in the province, effective May 6 to December 31, 2026, increasing the healthcare access for every Dinagatnon and ensuring prompt health insights for the communities.
CRH-BUCAS Center urges residents in the province to visit the facility for medical consultation at no cost and avail themselves of the free essential diagnostic services, as prescribed by its consulting medical practitioner.
As a primary, institutional based clinical laboratory, it caters to the following diagnostic care:
- Hematology:
-
ABO + Rh typing
-
Clotting time, bleeding time
-
Complete blood count (CBC)
-
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Clinical microscopy:
-
Fecal occult blood routine urinalysis
-
Pregnancy test
-
Routine fecalysis ( DFS)
- Sperm
analysis
- Blood chemistry:
-
Fasting blood sugar
-
Random blood sugar (RBS) – STRIP
-
Lipid profile
-
Total cholesterol
-
Triglycerides
-
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol
- LDL (low-density
lipoprotein) cholesterol
- Kidney function tests:
-
Creatinine
-
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Blood
uric acid (BUA)
- Serology:
-
Anti-streptolysin O (ASO)
-
Dengue Duo Rapid Test
-
Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori)
-
Hepatitis A virus IgM (IgM Anti-HAV)
-
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
-
Hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV)
-
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV 1/2)
-
Rapid syphilis
- Rapid
typhoid test
Accordingly, consultation hours are from Monday to
Friday at 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., while it operates from Monday to Sunday from
8:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. for emergency cases.
It further announced that aside from medical
consultations, minor surgical procedures, and free medication, the center also
offers animal bite care services, strengthening accessible and timely treatment
of animal bite cases and ensuring better health services for the people of
Dinagat Islands.
Meanwhile, DOH-CHD Caraga Director Sadaila K.
Raki-in shared that the DOH leads the implementation of the program on BUCAS,
in coordination with the local government units and partner health
institutions. “BUCAS is a significant accomplishment of Universal Health Care,
especially to the indigent population. Currently in Caraga we have three
namely, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City as the pioneer in
the region; Siargao Island Medical Center and the CRH-BUCAS Center in Dinagat
Islands.”
“With three BUCAS centers strategically located in the region, more Caraganons are benefiting from the government’s inclusive, accessible, and quality healthcare.” Dir. Raki-in said. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from CRH- BUCAS PDI)
TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 13 May 2026
TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)
13 May 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.
1. DELA ROSA ICC ARREST:
-Bato dela Rosa rejects Senate minority call to surrender to ICC, seeks
military support to block arrest
-SP Cayetano aided Dela Rosa’s transport to Senate
-VP Sara slams calls for Bato Dela Rosa's surrender
-Bato dela Rosa may be surrendered to ICC under PH law – DOJ
-NBI chief won't give up on Bato, to probe Senate clash over ICC arrest
bid
-Families of EJK victims demand Dela Rosa's surrender over ICC probe;
CIDG recalls subpoena
-Cayetano: Senators plotted to stop dela Rosa from attending plenary
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA
News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times,
Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar,
Watchmen Daily Journal]
2. Palace to Bato dela Rosa: Marcos admin is 'fair' regardless of political color
[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times,
Mindanao Times, Philstar, Sunstar]
3. Groups protest Senate leadership change, Dela Rosa custody
[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times,
News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]
4. Ex-Iloilo mayor Jed Mabilog now DILG undersecretary, SILG Remulla says
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer,
Rappler]
5. VP Sara Duterte on her impeachment: No feelings about it
[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Mindanao Times,
News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]
6. VP Sara yet to meet Duterte's new ICC lawyer Haynes
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar,
Rappler, Sunstar]
7. Robredo-Tulfo leads Sara- Imee in OCTA hypothetical 2028 matchup survey
[DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus,
Philstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]
8. “Uson” recorded at Mayon; alert level 3 remains – Phivolcs
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]
9. SWS: Hunger among Filipino families rises to 23.2% in March 2026
[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard,
News5PH]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2227801/sws-hunger-among-filipino-families-rises-to-23-2-in-march-2026
10. Meralco rates slightly dip in May despite fuel price woes
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]
https://business.inquirer.net/590133/meralco-rates-slightly-dip-in-may-despite-fuel-price-woes
© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit
Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Surigao Sur pushes for stronger network of healthcare providers
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The government leaders, health professionals, and policymakers in the province of Surigao del Sur recently convened at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) in Tandag City to advance efforts toward a more connected and patient-centered healthcare system through the proposed establishment of a Health Care Provider Network (HCPN).
The initiative supported the national government’s Universal Health Care agenda to bring quality healthcare services to every Filipino, especially those in underserved communities.
As support to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for an inclusive healthcare system across the country, it addresses the daily challenge of many families in remote and geographically isolated communities in the province as patients often travel long distances, transfer from one facility to another, and undergo repeated consultations before receiving proper medical attention, resulting in additional expenses and delayed treatment.
The meeting, held on April 30, was led by the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC), chaired by 1st District Congressional Representative Romeo S. Momo Sr., bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss ways to make healthcare services more connected, accessible, and patient-centered.
During the meeting, Maricar O. Jumamil, RN, senior health program officer of the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, presented the province’s progress in implementing the Universal Health Care (UHC).
She said that while healthcare facilities and systems are already operating in the province, many services remain disconnected from one another. Rural health units, hospitals, and specialized care facilities often work separately. This system is causing delays in referrals, hospital overcrowding, and difficulties for patients seeking continuous treatment.
Health officials emphasized that the Health Care Provider Network will help address these gaps by linking healthcare facilities into one coordinated system. Under the proposed network, primary care facilities will serve as the first contact for patients, while hospitals and specialists will handle cases requiring advanced treatment.
The system also aims to improve patient referrals and information sharing among healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients receive proper care without unnecessary delays or repeated procedures.
Health experts said that through an integrated network, patients in far-flung barangays will have clearer access to medical services, reducing travel burdens and out-of-pocket expenses.
As part of the discussion, Dr. Jacqueline Frances Momville, provincial health officer II from Agusan del Sur, shared experiences in developing the province’s healthcare provider network.
She highlighted the importance of cooperation among local government units, healthcare providers, and institutions for the success of integration. She also acknowledged that challenges, such as limited resources and system adjustments, are part of the process. These can be addressed through strong commitment and collaboration.
The sharing of Agusan del Sur’s experience gave Surigao del Sur leaders practical insights and a working model that may guide the province in building its own integrated healthcare system.
Meanwhile, Dr. Janice V. Pagaran-Alcordo, chief of the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC), underscored the importance of compassionate and people-centered healthcare services. She emphasized that healthcare reform goes beyond improving systems and facilities, and must also ensure that patients are guided, respected, and receive proper care throughout their medical journey.
For many residents, especially those living in geographically isolated areas, the proposed healthcare network may bring significant improvements. Among the expected benefits are shorter patient waiting and referral times, decongested hospitals, lower medical expenses, stronger emergency response systems, and better continuous care for patients with long-term illnesses.
Health officials acknowledged that building an integrated healthcare system will require continuous coordination, funding support, policy alignment, and cooperation among stakeholders. However, they expressed optimism that the province is moving toward a more efficient and connected healthcare system.
The meeting also showed government commitment to strengthen public health services and ensure that no Surigaonon is left behind in accessing healthcare.
With the planned establishment of the Health Care Provider Network, Surigao del Sur is taking a major step toward achieving a more responsive, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare system aligned with the goals of Universal Health Care and the national development agenda. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
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