TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 16 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

16 July 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

 

1. Marcos OKs P2,000 cash aid for low-income Filipinos as Middle East tensions flare anew

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]  https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/16/marcos-oks-p2-000-cash-aid-for-some-filipinos-amid-new-middle-east-tensions-1036

2. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL:

-Palace urges truth, not 'drama' as impeachment trial shifts to confidential funds

-Prosecution drops sheriff punched by Sara Duterte, 5 more witnesses in impeachment trial

-Impeachment court defers ruling on VP Duterte records subpoena to July 20

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

3.Palace, NBI reject claim SEA Games probe meant to intimidate senator-judges

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus] https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/16/palace-rejects-claim-sea-games-probe-meant-to-intimidate-senator-judges

4. Lacson after Marcoleta’s PGH exam: ‘It’s a miracle!’

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Philstar] https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2264735/lacson-after-marcoletas-pgh-exam-its-a-miracle

5. ‘Gising na’: Angel Locsin challenges ‘communist’ Robin Padilla on red-tagging, China stances

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

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/07/16/gising-na-angel-locsin-challenges-communist-robin-padilla-on-red-tagging-china-stances

6. MMDA: Gabriel Go only barred from clearing ops after teacher-shaming complaint

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

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/07/16/2542559/mmda-gabriel-go-only-barred-clearing-ops-after-teacher-shaming-complaint

7. LTFRB mulls fare hike implementation as oil prices pick up anew

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

https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/ltfrb-mulls-fare-hike-implementation-as-oil-prices-pick-up-anew

8. BARMM election period, gun ban begin for September 14 polls

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/election-period-gun-ban-barmm-begin-july-16-2026/

9. Japan Coast Guard training ship arrives in Manila for 4-day visit

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/16/japan-coast-guard-training-ship-arrives-in-manila-for-4-day-visit-1417

10. 3 nabbed over killing of American marine biologist

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/114818/3-suspects-in-killing-of-american-marine-biologist-now-in-police-custody/story/

 © Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Thursday, 16 July 2026

Father thanked government for son’s zero hospital bill

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Joey Chris S. Cortejos stepped out of the Butuan City Medical Center’s (BMC) financial assistance office with great relief as his son’s hospital bill was covered by PhilHealth’s No Balance Billing (NBB) program.

Cortejos, during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on July 14, shared that his son was admitted to a hospital in Butuan City due to a motorcycle accident. He was anxious about the money to pay for the P60,000 hospital bill.

“Nagpasalamat jud ko sa gobyerno pinaagi sa PhilHealth, hilabi na sa city government sa Butuan ug sa BMC kay maski piso wala koy mabayaran sa pagka-ospital sa akong anak. Makagawas mi sa ospital nga walay bayad sa among dako nga bill tungod sa programa nga No Balance Billing,” he said

(I want to thank the government, especially the city government of Butuan and BMC, because I did not have to pay even a single centavo for the hospital bill of my son. We can leave the hospital worry-free from our large bill because of the No Balance Billing program.)

“With No Balance Billing, there is no need for me to borrow money because my son can go home without paying for the medical services and expenses, including medicines and doctor’s fees,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ermelita A. Rojo, PhilHealth customer assistance, relations and empowerment staff (P-CARES), explained the state insurer’s program on NBB. “Through PhilHealth Circular No. 2017-006, stakeholders are requested to ensure the implementation of No Balance Billing, strengthening the universal health care agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.”

“The No Balance Billing mandates that no other fees or expenses shall be charged or be paid for by the indigent patients above and beyond the package rates during their confinement period,” Rojo said.

“However, the program is conveniently available in hospitals run by the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units such as BMC in Butuan City, while requirements have to be met and complied with if a qualified patient is admitted to private healthcare facilities,” she added.

She also emphasized that the program, aside from indigent, also covers sponsored or whose member is being paid by another individual, government agency or private entity; domestic worker or ‘kasambahay;’ senior citizens; and individuals categorized as lifetime or a member who has reached the age of retirement under the law and has paid at least 120 monthly premium contributions.

Rojo further said that health care institutions are instructed to give NBB patients preferential access to their social welfare funds or other sources for financing, such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Medical Assistance Program, which may be used to augment the benefit package, provided in case of insufficiency to cover all facility charges. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

Thursday, 16 July 2026

PhilHealth’s No Balance Billing gives Butuan mother financial relief  

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A Butuan City mother of three no longer had to worry about paying hospital bills after the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) No Balance Billing (NBB) policy covered the hospitalization expenses of her three-year-old child, allowing her family to focus on the child’s recovery instead of financial concerns.

For Ranelyn Daisy Malazarte, her child’s health was her top priority, but expensive hospital bills added to the anxiety brought by her child’s illness.

Through PhilHealth’s No Balance Billing policy, Malazarte was able to avail of hospital services without paying a single peso, enabling her family to use their limited resources for food, medicines, transportation, and other daily needs while caring for their child.

“Ang pinakamahalaga sa akin ay ang kaligtasan ng aking anak. Malaking ginhawa po na wala kaming binayarang kahit isang piso sa ospital dahil sa PhilHealth No Balance Billing. Ang perang sana ay pambayad namin ay nagamit na lamang namin sa pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan ng aking anak habang siya ay nagpapagaling,” Malazarte said.

(The most important thing for me is my child’s safety. It was a huge relief that we did not have to pay a single peso for the hospital expenses because of PhilHealth’s No Balance Billing policy. The money that we would have spent on hospital bills was instead used for food and other necessities while my child was recovering.)  

The experience, she said, gave her family peace of mind during a difficult time and demonstrated how government health programs can protect Filipino families from unexpected medical expenses.

The No Balance Billing policy supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policy to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by ensuring that more Filipinos have access to affordable, quality, and equitable health services under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

Under the policy, qualified PhilHealth members admitted to ward or basic accommodation in accredited government hospitals are not charged beyond their PhilHealth benefits for covered healthcare services. The benefit covers hospital room and board, professional fees, laboratory and diagnostic examinations, operating room services, and medicines available in the hospital pharmacy, provided these are included in the applicable PhilHealth benefit package.

By eliminating additional hospital charges for eligible patients, the program helps ease the financial burden on low-income families, prevents catastrophic health expenditures, and allows households to use their resources for other essential needs during medical emergencies.

PhilHealth encourages members to maintain updated membership records and coordinate with accredited healthcare facilities to ensure the smooth availment of benefits under the No Balance Billing policy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making quality healthcare more accessible to every Filipino. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, 16 July 2026

Agusan Norte champions healthy living, environmental protection during Nutrition Month celebration

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Proper nutrition remains fundamental to achieving healthier families, improving productivity, and building resilient communities, prompting the provincial government of Agusan del Norte to intensify efforts in promoting healthy eating, active lifestyles, and environmental stewardship during the kickoff of the 52nd Nutrition Month celebration on Monday.

Through the Agusan del Norte Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC), the province launched the month-long observance anchored on the theme “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan,” bringing together members of the Provincial Nutrition Council, provincial government employees, and partner stakeholders in a collective effort to improve nutrition outcomes while protecting the environment that sustains food production. 

The celebration supports the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028 and advances President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda on food security, preventive healthcare, and climate resilience by encouraging healthy diets, active lifestyles, and sustainable food production. In Agusan del Norte, these priorities are reinforced through the continued support of Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, who champions programs that promote the health, well-being, and food security of every Agusanon.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Chief and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, Dr. Silver Joy Tejano, emphasized that good nutrition begins with safeguarding the environment, which provides families with sustainable sources of safe and nutritious food.

“Protecting our environment means protecting our food sources. When we care for our natural resources, we help ensure that families have access to safe and nutritious food. Being healthy also means being happy. I also encourage every Agusanon to plant vegetables in their own backyards. Even a small backyard garden can provide fresh, nutritious food for the family, help reduce household food expenses, and contribute to a healthier environment,” Tejano said.

Tejano encouraged families to make backyard vegetable gardens, healthy eating, and responsible environmental practices part of their daily routine, emphasizing that these simple actions can strengthen household food security, improve nutrition, and help build healthier and more resilient communities.

To further promote healthy lifestyles, Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Emelyn Flor L. Fabiaña led the launch of the Move More, Step More Challenge, a wellness initiative for the employees of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte.

“The Move More, Step More Challenge encourages our employees to make physical activity part of their daily routine. Nutrition is not only about eating healthy food but also about staying active. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire healthier habits that will improve the well-being and productivity of our workforce,” Fabiaña said.

The challenge is open to all provincial government of Agusan del Norte employees. Registration runs from July 13 to 17, while the official competition will be held from July 18 to October 16. Participants will compete based on the total distance they walk or run, measured through the Pacer tracker application, with only app-recorded distances considered valid.

The province’s Nutrition Month celebration demonstrates how national and local efforts can work together to improve nutrition, strengthen household food security, promote active living, and protect the environment. By encouraging healthy eating, backyard vegetable gardening, regular physical activity, and responsible environmental stewardship, Agusan del Norte continues to help build healthier, more productive, and climate-resilient communities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) 

Thursday, 16 July 2026

DepEd Cabadbaran fights student malnutrition through school-based feeding program

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Malnutrition remains a pressing concern among Filipino children, particularly in food-poor communities. To address this, the Department of Education (DepEd) has consistently implemented the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) nationwide, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

In Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, the program has become a cornerstone intervention to ensure learners receive proper nutrition essential for their physical, mental, and psychological well-being.

This year, the SBFP reached 3,840 beneficiaries across the schools division, covering all Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils, as well as “wasted” learners from Grades 2 to 6. The program’s focus on those most vulnerable underscores its mission: to provide nutritional intervention where it is needed most.

Every day, teachers and school personnel prepare hot meals for the children. The aroma of freshly cooked food fills classrooms and feeding areas, signaling not only nourishment but care. Each meal is designed to be balanced and healthy, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of growing learners. But the program goes beyond food—it teaches habits. Teachers guide students on proper handwashing before meals, protecting them from contaminants, and teaching them the importance of nutrition. Parents, too, are encouraged to adopt healthier diets, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the school gates.

For Schools Division Superintendent Imelda N. Sabornido, the shift from pre-packed food products to hot meals marks a turning point. “This meaningful shift aims to ensure that learners receive meals that are not only nutritious but also freshly prepared, balanced, and responsive to their daily needs. It likewise supports improved school participation and promotes healthy eating behaviors among learners,” she explained.

At Comagascas Integrated School, Principal Jiecyll S. Butal has seen firsthand the difference the program makes. “Good nutrition fuels the brain. Children who eat healthy foods can focus better, become more active, and be healthier. While it may not solve malnutrition completely, it makes a big difference in reducing hunger and improving students’ learning,” she shared.

Parents echo these sentiments. Daisy Contillo, mother of a Grade 1 student, said the SBFP has helped her child embrace healthier eating habits. “The SBFP has been a big help for us parents in convincing our children to eat healthy foods, especially vegetables and fruits. The schools make sure that the students eat a balanced meal based on their nutritional needs,” she noted.

The program’s impact is evident not only in improved health but also in better school attendance and participation. Children who once struggled with hunger now come to class energized, ready to learn. Families who once worried about providing nutritious meals now find relief in the support their schools offer.

DepEd’s SBFP portrays how education and nutrition intersect. By addressing malnutrition, the Department is not only feeding bodies but also fueling minds, laying the foundation for healthier, more engaged learners. It is a testament to the power of collaboration—among teachers, parents, and the community—in ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against hunger. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from the Schools Division Office of Cabadbaran City)