TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 2 February 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 02 February 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

Members of the Makabayan bloc and other complainants return to the Office of the Secretary General at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, January 26, 2026, to file the second impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

1. PBBM IMPEACHMENT CASE:

     -Two impeach raps vs. Marcos sufficient in form —House panel

-Marcos worried over impeachment raps, not for self but for economy—Palace

-Palace to respect impeachment process vs President

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2176245/fwd-de-jesus-makabayan-complaints-vs-marcos-deemed-sufficient-in-form

2. VP Duterte faces fresh two impeachment complaints; Duterte camp shrugs off new impeachment case

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975024/two-impeach-raps-vs-marcos-sufficient-in-form-house-panel/story/

3. Marcos trust, performance ratings down; Sara Duterte's up —OCTA

[DZBB, DZRH, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Times]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975022/marcos-trust-performance-ratings-down-duterte-s-up-octa/story/

4. President Marcos to public: Suggest solutions to pressing issues

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

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/02/02/2505107/president-marcos-public-suggest-solutions-pressing-issues

5. Marcos says meeting with Mitsubishi boss to spur jobs, help complete ‘faster' railways

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/2/2/marcos-says-meeting-with-mitsubishi-boss-to-spur-jobs-help-complete-faster-railways-1247

6. Marcos Jr. convenes Palace meeting to review ASEAN hosting preparations

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/2/marcos-jr-convenes-palace-meeting-to-review-asean-hosting-preparations-1445

7. FL Liza’s brief encounter with Chinese envoy not indicative of PH policy — Palace

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975058/fl-liza-s-brief-encounter-with-chinese-envoy-not-indicative-of-ph-policy-palace/story/

8. Lacson calls Senate leadership threat a 'continuing crime'

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus]

https://mb.com.ph/article/10903969/philippines/national/lacson-calls-senate-leadership-threat-a-continuing-crime

9. DOJ says SEC complaint vs Villar Land still under evaluation

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Manila Bulletin]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/975026/doj-says-sec-complaint-vs-villar-land-still-under-evaluation/story/

10. Philippines reclaims spot as world's 2nd largest banana exporter

[BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/02/02/2505050/philippine-reclaims-spot-worlds-2nd-biggest-banana-exporter

11. Oil companies to raise pump prices on February 3

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/02/02/business/oil-companies-to-raise-pump-prices-on-february-3/2269409

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 2 February 2026

Surigao City police advances quality management with 7S of good housekeeping initiative

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Surigao Component City Police Station (SCPS) launched its 7S of Good Housekeeping Program as part of its initiatives toward ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification.

The program aims to enhance workplace organization operational efficiency and delivery in line with ISO standards. 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mariano C. Lukban, chief of police, led the activity and featured a formal cascading of the 7S principles—Sort, Systematize, Shine, Standardize, Self-Discipline, Safety, and Sustain—followed by the signing of a Commitment of Support by personnel from all station sections. 

Chief Lukban, a participant in the ongoing ISO 9001:2015 Training Course for PNP personnel under Team Caraga, said, “The integration of the 7S framework into the station’s Quality Management System allows regular monitoring, training, and internal audits to be conducted to ensure sustained compliance and continual improvement.

The Surigao City Police Station expects the 7S rollout to yield measurable improvements in service delivery timelines, records management, facility maintenance, and workplace safety. 

Progress will be tracked through internal reviews and readiness assessments ahead of formal ISO certification processes. This local initiative supports national police efforts to modernize management systems and deliver higher standards of public service. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from SCPS)

Monday, 2 February 2026

Butuan City brings social services to communities through ‘Panday Banay’

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan, through the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD), continues to strengthen inclusive governance by bringing essential social services to communities through ‘Panday Banay’ or building community.

The initiative ensures that vulnerable sectors, particularly senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), children at risk, and indigent families, can access government assistance despite mobility and health limitations. 

Under Panday Banay, CSWDD social workers conduct home visitations to personally reach individuals who are unable to walk or visit government offices, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing basic social services.

In addition, they also conduct barangay orientation on their rights, privileges, and laws for senior citizens and PWDs, violence against women and their children (VAWC), teenage pregnancy, and others. 

According to CSWDD, the program allows them to assess beneficiaries’ situation, provide assistance, and referral services. Thus, beneficiaries can receive support in the comfort of their homes. 

Through Panday Banay, CSWDD is empowered and freed from the four corners of their office, enabling them to perform other tasks, such as visiting the client in need.

Their services include psychosocial support, needs assessment, and linkage to appropriate city and national government programs. Also, CSWDD assisted in the transfer of a senior citizen from Panabo City to Butuan City, ensuring safe and secure transportation.

Through Panday Banay, the department also strengthens coordination with barangay officials to identify households requiring immediate attention and ensure timely intervention for vulnerable residents.

The city government emphasized that Panday Banay reflects its commitment to people-centered, inclusive service delivery, especially for those who need government support the most. By bringing services directly to communities, the city continues to uphold its mandate of promoting social protection, dignity, and care for all Butuanons. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Monday, 2 February 2026

DOT, PIA partner in bringing Pinoy’s service excellence to Agusan Sur IOs, media partners

By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a bid to strengthen the culture of hospitality and professionalism among public and private communicators, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga joined forces to conduct the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training for public information officers and media partners on January 27.

The one-day training, held in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, gathered information officers from various provincial offices, municipalities, as well as national government agencies (NGAs) from across Agusan del Sur, along with media practitioners, to immerse themselves in the values and practices that define Filipino service excellence.

The initiative comes at a crucial time as Agusan del Sur prepares to host the Palarong Pambansa in May, an event expected to draw thousands of athletes, coaches, and visitors from all over the country.

Strengthening Communication Through Hospitality

DOT trainer Marian Jill D. Castrence underscored the importance of weaving Filipino hospitality into communicators’ daily work. “As media and information officers in your respective departments, you are being trained today on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence—not to restrict or limit your information dissemination, but to strengthen it through professionalism, empathy, and genuine Filipino hospitality,” she said.

Castrence explained that the FBSE framework is not only about customer service but also about how government communicators engage with the public. “I hope that you will be able to apply what you have learned not only in your work, but also in your daily life, because service excellence begins with the values we practice every day,” she added.

Preparing for the Palarong Pambansa

The training was seen as a timely intervention, equipping participants with the skills to welcome and serve the influx of visitors during the upcoming national sports event. With Agusan del Sur set to take center stage, the province’s communicators are expected to play a vital role in ensuring that guests experience the warmth and hospitality of the Agsurnon people.

Leopoldo K. Pendon Jr., municipal information officer (MIO) of La Paz, expressed his appreciation for the program. “As someone whose daily routine is facing people, training such as the FBSE reinforces even more our role not just as ordinary workers, but as public servants,” he said. Pendon highlighted that the modules provided practical approaches to ensuring customer satisfaction, which he believes would be of much help during the Palarong Pambansa.

He added that the training boosted their confidence in showcasing Agusan del Sur’s distinct hospitality. “We will now be more confident as we prepare for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in our province—showing the visitors the Agsurnon hospitality that will leave a mark as they leave the province after the event,” Pendon remarked.

Building a Culture of Excellence

Beyond the sports event, the FBSE training is expected to have lasting effects on the way local government units and media partners deliver information and services. By instilling values of empathy, clarity, and respect, the program aims to elevate the standards of public communication in Caraga.

The collaboration between DOT and PIA Caraga reflects a broader commitment to promoting culture and service excellence in governance. It also highlights the role of communicators as frontliners in bridging government initiatives with the public.

As Agusan del Sur gears up for one of the country’s biggest sporting events, the FBSE training stands as a testament to the province’s readiness to welcome the nation with pride and hospitality. For the participants, the lessons learned go beyond the workplace—they serve as reminders that service excellence is a way of life, deeply rooted in Filipino values. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

Saturday, 31 January 2026

DOH debunks use of antibiotics to treat measles

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga warned the public of the dangers of self-medication, taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin without medical consultation to treat viral infections like measles.

This was the warning from Doctor Karen Mae C. Durac, medical officer IV of DOH-CHD Caraga, aimed at addressing the concern raised by the media that due to familiarity and the disease’s constant recurrence, some parents, instead of seeking medical help would rather buy antibiotics like amoxicillin to cure ‘tigdas,’ the local name for measles, during the Kapihan sa PIA on January 14.

“This is very concerning that parents choose to self-medicate if their children or a family member gets sick,” Dr. Durac said. “Antibiotics treat bacterial diseases, not viral infections like measles.”

“DOH [advises] parents not to self-medicate. If there are symptoms like cough, colds and fever, we encourage you to go to your nearest health center and seek consultation from a health practitioner for proper diagnosis and give appropriate medication to prevent further transmission and complications.”

Accordingly, self-medication is the act of treating illnesses or symptoms without professional medical advice such as taking antibiotics without prescriptions, consuming leftover medicines, or following recommendations from friends and family rather than certified healthcare providers.

For the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations agency that leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance and health risks, including incorrect dosages, allergic reactions, drug interactions, and masking of serious conditions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Durac thanked the Kapihan sa PIA, where the department can strengthen health literacy and motivate the community and the media to help address and resolve disinformation about the treatment for measles.

The medical officer emphasized that measles, including rubella or German measles, is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications, and even death, especially among children which can be prevented through proper and complete vaccination.

She shared that the government has sustained its efforts to prevent the resurgence of measles nationwide and strengthen public health through the program on Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), from January 19 to February 13, 2026, targeting at least 95 percent vaccination coverage among eligible children who are six months to 59 months old to achieve herd immunity. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)