TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)
18 May 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 18 May 2026
18 May 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.
1. VP SARA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL:
-Marcos won't intervene in Senate impeachment
trial vs VP Sara — Palace
-Senators don robes as Duterte impeach court
opens
-Impeachment court to issue summons to VP
Sara; Duterte given 10 calendar days to answer
-PNP braces for protests as Senate starts
Sara Duterte impeachment trial
-Protesters rally outside Senate before
impeachment court convenes
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune,
DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila
Times, MindaNews, Mindanao Times, Philstar, Sunstar]
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/05/18/2528845/senators-don-robes-duterte-impeach-court-opens
2. SENATE SHOOTING INCIDENT:
-Palace: Senate was never under attack;
Marcos disappointed over incident
-Senate receives Ombudsman suspension order
vs. Aplasca, CCTV subpoena
-NBI driver linked to Senate shooting tests
positive for gunpowder nitrates
-Erwin Tulfo reiterates push for Magna Carta
for Media Workers after Senate shooting
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld,
Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila
Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar,
Watchmen Daily Journal]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2230548/palace-contradicts-cayetano-senate-was-never-under-attack
3. SENATE SHAKEUP:
-Cayetano retains Senate presidency as
Zubiri, Ejercito join minority bloc
-Senators elect Jose Luis Montales as new
Senate Secretary
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune,
DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Rappler,
Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2230649/cayetano-retains-senate-presidency-as-zubiri-ejercito-join-minority-bloc
[BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, DZRH,
Inquirer, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, Philstar]
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/18/news/dela-rosa-tagged-a-fugitive-sc-asked-to-ok-his-arrest/2345747
5. Marcos still trusts Remulla despite
alleged gaffes—Palace
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News,
Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH,
NewsWatchPlus, Panay News]
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/18/marcos-still-trusts-remulla-despite-alleged-gaffes-palace-1216
6. Marcos names Kim Robert de Leon as new
Budget chief, youngest in DBM history
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune,
DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila
Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar,
Watchmen Daily Journal]
https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/18/marcos-names-kim-de-leon-new-dbm-chief-youngest-budget-secretary-in-history
7. Marcos: Government ‘not sleeping or on
vacation’ amid aid push
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News,
Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, News5PH, Sunstar]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2230496/marcos-government-not-sleeping-or-on-vacation-amid-aid-push
8. Voter registration ends today, no
extension—Comelec
[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila
Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen
Daily Journal]
https://manilastandard.net/news/politics/314740969/voter-registration-ends-today-no-extension-comelec.html
9. NGCP puts Visayas grid under yellow alert
again
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZBB, DZRH,
Inquirer, GMA News, Malaya, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Watchmen Daily
Journal]
https://malaya.com.ph/business/business-news/visayas-grid-placed-under-yellow-alert-2/
10. DOH coordinates with WHO amid Ebola
outbreak in Africa
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune,
GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Philstar, Rappler]
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/18/doh-coordinates-with-who-amid-ebola-outbreak-in-africa
Monday, 18 May 2026
Over 6,000 Dinagat Islands residents benefit from BUCAS
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Caraga Regional Hospital-Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (CRH- BUCAS) Center in Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, recorded a total patient census of 6,780 from December 2024 to April 2026. This milestone reflects the trust and confidence of the people of Dinagat Islands in government healthcare services.
More than just a number, the census symbolized the unwavering dedication of healthcare workers in delivering accessible, compassionate, and quality medical care to every Dinagatnon. The CRH-BUCAS Center of the Department of Health (DOH) stands as a beacon of hope and service for the well-being of grassroots communities.
With steadfast commitment and public service at its core, the CRH-BUCAS Center will continue serving the people of Dinagat Islands with excellence, compassion, and genuine care for all – a fulfillment of the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Meanwhile, held at the CRH-BUCAS Center in Dinagat Islands, hundreds of residents in the province also benefitted from the recent medical mission spearheaded by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands and the SUI Generis medical team from May 1 to 2, where doctors, nurses, other medical practitioners, and volunteers provided free services, especially on major surgeries that helped the Dinagatnons who are challenged with costly treatments.
The major surgeries included thyroid (goiter), laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic herniorrhaphy for children and adults, hemorrhoids, colorectal and other anal surgeries, obstetrics and gynecology cases, arteriovenous (AV) fistula (creation and repair), surgery on cataract and pterygium, and surgery on cleft lip and palate. Other services provided were optometry, endoscopy, colonoscopy, electrocardiogram (ECG), ultrasound, and minor surgeries.
Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. expressed gratitude to the SUI Generis medical team for bringing free, quality healthcare services to the province. “Dako kaayo among kalipay ug pasalamat nga ang Dinagat Islands inyong gipili nga alagaran. Ang inyong pagdala sa inyong serbisyo diri sa probinsya naghatag usab og paglaum sa among katawhan, especially poor residents. (Thank you very much for choosing Dinagat Islands to benefit from your medical mission. The delivery of your services has also given our indigent residents a sense of hope.)
“Healthcare is one of our most important priorities, and this significant activity reminded us that we are not alone in this endeavor. We value your services, and you have our utmost respect,” Gov. Demerey said when he welcomed the members of the medical team headed by Executive Director Geraldine Faith Econg, JD. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with reports from CRH-BUCAS Center PDI and Dinagat Islands PIO)
Monday, 18 May 2026
Cruise ship marks Asian maiden voyage in Siargao port call
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — SH Minerva, operated by Swan Hellenic Cruise and facilitated by Sharp Travel Service (Phils) Inc., marked a historic milestone as it made its maiden voyage to Asia, with its first port of call in the Philippines at Isla Casulian, Barangay Corregidor in the municipality of Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Before it arrived in the Philippines, the vessel sailed from Indonesia as part of its ongoing Asian voyage. The vessel arrived at 9 a.m., with expedition activities from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This inaugural Philippine call in Siargao on May 4 is part of the vessel’s expedition itinerary, to be followed by visits to other key destinations including Bohol, Cuatro Islas, and Romblon, among others—highlighting the country’s growing appeal in the global expedition cruise market.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, a total of 86 international passengers explored the island through snorkeling and trekking, savoring local delicacies such as kakanins and fresh buko, enjoying vibrant cultural performances, and supporting community-based enterprises by buying souvenir items at grassroots shops in Barangay Corregidor.
Meanwhile, a ceremonial plaque exchange, held at the ship’s bridge, formally commemorated the inaugural visit. The plaque was presented to Captain Svein-Rune Stromnes by Dapa Mayor Elizabeth T. Matugas and Vice Mayor Gerry M. Abejo, together with DOT Caraga, symbolizing the historic first Philippine call.
The captain likewise presented a plaque in exchange, recognizing Isla Casulian as the vessel’s inaugural port of call in the Philippines, and subsequently hosted a brief familiarization tour of the vessel for the delegation.
On the part of the local business owner, Andy, shared his excitement and gratitude for how the voyage has helped his enterprise. “The maiden voyage of the SH Minerva provided tourism revenue to the local shops. It was also a moment of prestige for the people of Dapa, proving that the gateway to Siargao Island is ready for the global stage”.
Aligned with the tourism agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this inaugural port of call highlights the growing interest of international expedition cruise lines in Siargao Island, opening opportunities for sustainable tourism, strengthened community-based livelihoods, and increased global visibility for the Caraga region and the country. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
Saturday, 16 May 2026
No mother left behind: Butuan’s halfway houses strengthen maternal healthcare
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
Imagine a mother in labor being transported on horseback, enduring hours of travel on rough and tricky roads, expecting to deliver her baby safely.
For many pregnant women living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in Butuan City, the imaginary scene has long been a harsh reality. Access to health facilities remains a challenge, especially for mothers residing in remote ‘sitio’ or far-flung areas where transportation is either limited or nonexistent.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, Doctor Teresita Helen V. Makiling, head of the City Health Department (CHD), shared that pregnant mothers nearing childbirth in far-flung communities often face difficulties reaching health facilities, putting both the mother and child at risk.
In response, the city government of Butuan, in partnership with barangay local government units (BLGUs), established halfway houses in 2024 as part of the city’s maternal health program. This has been one of the city’s best practices in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s healthcare agenda.
The halfway houses serve as temporary shelters for pregnant women who are already in the final weeks or last month of pregnancy. These facilities are for mothers awaiting delivery in remote communities and sitio barangays that are difficult to access through regular transportation.
“The barangay health workers who regularly monitor these mothers advise and strongly encourage them to temporarily stay in the halfway house so that once labor begins, they are already near a birthing facility or can easily be referred to a primary health care,” Makiling explained.
“This ensures the safety of both the mother and baby and helps prevent maternal deaths,” she added.
Beyond providing temporary shelter, the initiative offers expectant mothers peace of mind, knowing that medical assistance is within reach during one of the most critical moments of pregnancy.
Lovely Cuenca-Plaza, head of the Programs Development Section, shared that the city currently operates two halfway houses located in Barangays San Mateo and Maguinda. However, the department hopes that more barangays will replicate the initiative to extend support to more mothers in need.
In Barangay San Mateo alone, at least four pregnant mothers have benefited from the halfway house since its establishment, accessing free maternal health services.
The initiative reflects the city government’s continuing commitment to ensuring that no mother is left behind, regardless of distance or circumstance. Through accessible maternal care and community-based support, Butuan City continues to strengthen its efforts toward safer pregnancies and deliveries for healthier communities. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Friday, 15 May 2026
TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)
15 May 2026, Friday, 5:00 p.m.
1. Ombudsman orders 6-month suspension vs OSAA's Aplasca over Senate incident
-Remulla to Bato: Flight is an indication of guilt
-Ombudsman orders Senate to submit CCTV footage
during gunfire incident
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH,
GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao
Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily
Journal]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987754/osaa-mao-aplasca-6-month-suspension-ombudsman-remulla-senate-bato-dela-rosa/story/
2. Persons of interest? Cayetano, Padilla, OSAA head
must explain Bato 'disappearance'—NBI chief
[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer,
Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar, Rappler]
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/15/cayetano-padilla-osaa-head-must-explain-bato-disappearance-nbi-chief-1307
3. Senate shooting: Probers ‘recovering’ CCTV, final
report out Wednesday
-Aplasca: No CCTV footage of OSAA, Marines’
movements during Senate shooting
-Estrada said he meant to secure CCTV footage for
possible probe
-Senators seek probe of shooting incident
-Senate majority backs Aplasca’s actions in Senate
shooting
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH,
GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times,
Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2229394/senate-shooting-probers-recovering-cctv-final-report-ready-by-wednesday
4. Business groups back impeach trial of VP Sara
[BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer,
Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/15/business/top-business/business-groups-back-impeach-trial-of-vp-sara/2344220
5. ADB offers PH additional $1.75B to manage impact
of Middle East conflict
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA
News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/987738/adb-offers-ph-additional-1-75b-to-manage-impact-of-middle-east-conflict/story/
6. Ex-ICI exec Hosaka back as GCG commissioner
[BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer,
Manila Times, Philstar]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987747/ex-ici-exec-hosaka-back-as-gcg-commissioner/story/
7. Japan considering missile exports to the
Philippines — NHK
[BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH,
GMA News, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/987728/japan-considering-missile-exports-to-the-philippines-nhk/story/
8. Luzon, Visayas back to red alert for third
straight day; PNP heightens nationwide security amid rotational brownouts
[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily
Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila
Times, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler, Watchmen Daily Journal]
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/05/15/2528133/luzon-visayas-back-red-alert-third-straight-day
9. Supreme Court upholds automated polls, rejects
bid for mandatory manual vote count; COMELEC ‘jubilant’ over junking of bid
[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
Manila Times, Mindanao Times, Philstar, Rappler]
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/15/news/supreme-court-upholds-automated-polls-rejects-bid-for-mandatory-manual-vote-count/2344615
10. Jailed Filipino journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio
honored by IWMF
[ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, Rappler]
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/15/jailed-filipino-journalist-frenchie-mae-cumpio-honored-by-iwmf-0800
© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit
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