TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 8 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

08 July 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1.  Unemployment in May rises, underemployment declines

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/7/8/unemployment-in-may-rises-underemployment-declines-0915

2. Benhur Abalos named Cabinet Secretary — Palace

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2259785/abalos-appointed-as-cabinet-secretary

3. Marcos launches expanded school feeding program for Filipino learners

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2259688/marcos-launches-expanded-school-feeding-program-for-filipino-learners

4. Marcos: Regional wage boards may decide pay hikes by Q4

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2259671/marcos-regional-wage-boards-may-decide-pay-hikes-by-q4

5. Impeachment Day 3: Defense to strike back during cross-examination

-Escudero warns prosecution, defense against making 'concluding remarks'

-Spox: Prosecution not focused on lowering impeach conviction threshold

-Poa: Defense objections part of normal court proceedings

-Duterte defense disowns bid to stop trial at SC

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/8/impeachment-day-3-defense-to-strike-back-during-cross-examination-0930

6. Palace says public wants VP Duterte to directly answer impeachment allegations

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/palace-says-public-wants-vp-duterte-to-directly-answer-impeachment-allegation

7. More Northern Luzon provinces placed under Signal No. 1 due to Super Typhoon 'Inday'; Marcos orders full gov’t response

-DOH raises Code White Alert as Super Typhoon Inday enters PAR

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

8. Arroyo says she would oppose impeachment of Ombudsman Remulla

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2259735/gloria-arroyo-says-shes-voting-against-ombudsman-remullas-impeachment

9. Tulfo files defamation raps vs Mike Defensor, other 'ex-Co bodyguards'

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/8/tulfo-files-defamation-raps-vs-mike-defensor-other-ex-co-bodyguards-1107

10. DFA urges restraint after China launches submarine-fired ballistic missile into Pacific

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Guardian, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/08/dfa-urges-restraint-after-china-launches-submarine-fired-ballistic-missile-into-pacific

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

DOH Caraga shows improved HIV testing, detection capability

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga said the increase in HIV cases in the Caraga region reflects the effective implementation of the expanded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and detection efforts of the agency and partner government and private stakeholders, enabling more individuals to know their status early and access life-saving treatment.

The DOH-CHD Caraga reported the improvement in testing and detection processes during the celebration of Pride Month on June 11 in Butuan City.

Based on cumulative data from 2015 to March 2026, the Philippines has recorded a total of 168,079 HIV cases, with 4,633 newly diagnosed cases reported as of March 2026.

In the Caraga region, the cumulative number of HIV cases increased from 2,289 in 2025 to 2,373 as of March 2026, reflecting 84 newly diagnosed cases from January to March 2026.

Of these 2,373 cases, 1,157 are in the 25-34 age group; 839 in the 15-24 age group; 323 in the 35-49 age group; 42 in the 50 and older age group; and 12 in the 15 years old and below.

While the rise in reported cases remains a public health concern, it also indicates that more people are availing themselves of the HIV testing services, allowing previously undiagnosed infections to be identified.

Early detection is critical in preventing severe illness and reducing HIV transmission. DOH-CHD Caraga continues to encourage individuals, especially those with a potential risk of exposure, to undergo regular and confidential HIV testing. 

DOH-CHD Caraga further assured that HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and support services remain available in accredited treatment hubs across the region. Currently, there are eight outpatient and inpatient treatment hubs in the region, namely: Caraga Regional Hospital; Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center; Butuan Medical Center (Palliative Care Wellness Center); D.O Plaza Memorial Hospital; Valentina G. Plaza Memorial Hospital; Bislig Bayside Treatment Hub; Dinagat District Hospital; and MJ Santos Hospital. 

As support to the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DOH-CHD Caraga, along with the different local government units, continues to promote safer sexual practices such as condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the spread of HIV. 

It cited the city government of Butuan for implementing free HIV testing in its main health centers and conducting satellite free testing, championing HIV testing efforts and bringing this healthcare service nearer to communities.  (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Dinagat Islands encourages children to eat nutritious food in fight against malnutrition

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. shared the provincial government’s initiative to motivate children to eat well and be healthy so they can freely play in the inflatable playgrounds that will make rounds in the barangays with high malnutrition cases.

This was the statement of the governor during the Kapihan sa PIA on June 29 at the Provincial Guest Center in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose, as he addressed the media inquiry on the provincial government’s efforts to address malnutrition in the province, especially among children.

“Nipalit ta ug duha ka inflatable playgrounds nga ato dal-on sa mga barangay nga taas ug kaso sa malnutrition, apil na sa wala mitubo ug kulang sa timbang para ma-inspire sila pag-uli sa balay ug mokaon ug tarong para makaduwa ug balik sa inflatable playgrounds,” the governor said.

(We bought two inflatable playgrounds, and these will be brought to all barangays, prioritizing those with high malnutrition, including those with stunting and underweight cases to inspire children to eat well so they will have an opportunity again to play in the huge inflatable toys)

“We look into the root causes of malnutrition which are connected to hunger and poverty. We have programs to elevate communities from poverty and strengthen our food security,” Gov. Demerey added. “Together with TESDA and DOST, they are training parents to cook nutritious food for their children.”

“We also worked with DOLE under its program on TUPAD so pregnant mothers will cook nutritious food to curb this concern,” he told the audience during the Kapihan.

Inspired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to create a future where no child goes hungry, Demerey considered this initiative unique in the province that addresses the personal struggle of parents who are challenged with children who are picky eaters and malnourished. This will result in behavioral changes among children toward appreciation of nutritious foods like vegetables.

Meanwhile, the governor relayed that the inflatable playgrounds will also be used to help children struggling with reading comprehension and in mathematics, inspiring them to practice reading and diligently study in the said subjects to improve leaners’ literacy in the province. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 6 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

06 July 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. After seeking 'bloodbath,' Sara Duterte skips impeachment trial opening

-Marcos won't monitor VP impeachment trial, Palace says he has work to do

-Escudero voted back as VP trial presider amid Cayetanos' objections

-Reginald Tongol named as impeachment trial spokesperson anew

-NCRPO on full alert as Sara Duterte impeachment trial starts

-Tensions rise between protesters, police on Day 1 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, MindaNews, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/07/06/2540246/after-seeking-bloodbath-sara-duterte-skips-impeachment-trial-opening

2. Pulong Duterte calls for fair Sara impeachment trial

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/07/06/pulong-duterte-calls-for-fair-sara-impeachment-trial

3. Gatchalian vows to protect Senate integrity amid political challenges

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/06/news/gatchalian-vows-to-protect-senate-integrity-amid-political-challenges/2378709

4. Palace respects court order as Marcoleta taken into custody; Defensor says arrest meant to silence him on corruption issues

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://manilastandard.net/news/314762037/palace-respects-court-order-as-marcoleta-taken-into-custody.html

5. Marcos’ Canada trip yields $2.5B in investments

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/06/news/national/marcos-canada-trip-yields-25b-in-investments/2378644

6. Castro pushes back after Canada heckling incident

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/07/06/castro-hits-back-after-canada-incident

7. President Marcos on flood control probe: We're not done yet

[BusinessWorld, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/07/06/2540107/president-marcos-flood-control-probe-were-not-done-yet

8. Marcos urges ‘careful study’ of changes in minors’ criminal liability

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Panay News, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2258025/marcos-urges-careful-study-of-changes-in-minors-criminal-liability

9. Super typhoon Bavi may enter PAR by Wednesday

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2258106/bavi-may-enter-par-tuesday-night-or-wednesday-morning-pagasa

10. Fishermen demand official recognition for West Philippine Sea Victory Day

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/06/regions/fishermen-demand-official-recognition-for-west-philippine-sea-victory-day/2378713© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 6 July 2026

PIA strengthens grassroots engagement with Panagtigum, Kapihan in Dinagat Islands

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga brought its platforms to the Province of Dinagat Islands, fulfilling its commitment to inclusive delivery of information and  government programs to grassroots communities.

Held on June 29 at the Provincial Guest Center, Barangay Cuarinta in San Jose town, nearly 100 participants from the youth and employment sector and provincial employees were engaged during the ‘Panagtigum’ sa Probinsya sa Dinagat Islands, in partnership with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga.

‘Panagtigum,’ a Visayan word for gathering or convergence, is PIA Caraga’s regional initiative that aims to amplify government services and programs down to the grassroots. It is also an avenue through which PIA can be visible in communities – near or far.

The activity, which finally reached the island province, highlighted DICT’s efforts ensuring the ‘Digital Bayanihan’ initiative reaches communities in the province, especially with the same-day launching of the program on Strengthening the Philippine Workforce through Adaptive and Responsive Digital Knowledge (SPARK).  

According to Engineer Lawrence P. Salang, Technical Operations Division chief of DICT Caraga, SPARK is expected to equip Dinagatnons, especially the fresh graduates, with online global employment skills, allowing them to earn income in the comfort of their homes and without leaving their communities.

Dinagat Islands Provincial PESO Manager Lucia V. Galabo disclosed that the provincial government through PESO is looking into expanding the SPARK program to vulnerable sectors, especially teenage mothers so they can have a source of income to meet the needs of their children. “The program on SPARK offers income opportunities to persons with disabilities, women, out-of-school youth and others, helping the provincial government address poverty in the province.”

Also, Engineer Ricardo T. Bacolod Jr., Dinagat Islands provincial officer of DICT Caraga, shared the accomplishments of the agency in the province, including the establishment of free WIFI in significant public places such as in schools, health centers, municipal halls, ports, among others, strengthening the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on inclusive digital connectivity. 

“Currently, we are working on the implementation of the Bayanihan SIM program in Dinagat Islands, especially in unserved areas in the province. Through this program, more students will be connected to digital learning and the telecommunication companies will be motivated to put up towers in these unserved areas to address connectivity concerns of the increasing number of users,” Bacolod said.

DICT Caraga Planning Officer II Reymar A. Estafia of DICT, further shared that the agency is also mandated to strengthen cybersecurity campaigns so Filipinos are not only equipped with digital skills but also assured of their safety  and protection online. “Cybersecurity is one of our programs where we implement cybersecurity awareness due to rampant cybercrime. We need to bring this advocacy to the communities.”

“For this year 2026, we implemented 11 cybersecurity awareness activities in the Caraga region. In the Dinagat Islands, it is already 100 percent in digital signature for the government workforce, making government services accessible and convenient for all,” Estafia said, as he also relayed the accomplishments of DICT on Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI), a digital certificate system that allows government employees to create legally recognized digital signatures, encrypt emails, and authenticate secure logins.

SPARK program beneficiaries were also allowed to share how it transformed their lives and made them productive in their endeavors and business ventures. Media Anchor Benjie Bula of Radyo Serbato – Dinagat Islands participated in the open forum for a dynamic discussion.

Meanwhile, the Kapihan sa PIA, another platform of the agency, also took center stage in the province with Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. as a guest of the first Kapihan in the Caraga region, conducted in the provincial level.

Gov. Demerey shared the notable accomplishments and ongoing programs of the province in tourism, environmental protection, peace and order, health and nutrition, modernization in transportation, among others.

With the outstanding economic growth of the province and its resilience from the global crisis, the local chief executive said, “Daghan nata ug naabot nga nag-uban kitang tanan para sa probinsya (Together, we have achieved a lot for the province).”

“This is our future – Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bali, Indonesia – rolled into one. Dinagat Islands will be as progressive as Hong Kong, economically strong like Singapore, and beautiful as Bali, Indonesia,” Demerey said.

The governor added, “We have the resources, so we prepare all Dinagatnons, especially the new generation, for this phenomenal future.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)