TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 23 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

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

1. PBBM’s 5TH SONA PREPARATION:

-Marcos personally writing SONA; Palace hints at 'earthshaking announcements'

-Quezon City suspends classes on Monday for Marcos SONA

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2269090/palace-hints-at-earthshaking-announcements-in-marcos-sona-speech

2. WPS: Marcos wants to ‘reset’ PH-China ties after Ayungin incident

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

https://www.inquirer.net/481930/wps-marcos-wants-to-reset-ph-china-ties-after-ayungin-incident/

3. China water cannons PCG-BFAR vessel at Panatag Shoal

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

https://manilastandard.net/news/314769244/china-water-cannons-pcg-bfar-vessel-at-panatag-shoal.html

4. Marcos honors Navy personnel wounded in Ayungin incident, assures AFP of government's full support

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/23/marcos-honors-navy-personnel-wounded-in-ayungin-incident-assures-afp-of-governments-full-support

5. Senate ‘cannot afford’ Sara Duterte’s request for catering – Gatchalian

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2269143/senate-cannot-afford-sara-dutertes-request-for-catering-gatchalian

6. PH, Sweden to discuss defense cooperation; Gripen fighter jet among possible areas of interest

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/23/ph-sweden-to-discuss-defense-cooperation-1313

7. Marcos still trusts AFP despite persons of interest reportedly in Sara Duterte's security detail — Palace

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/995867/marcos-sara-duterte-impeachment-trial-persons-of-interest/story/

8. Kiyapo picks up speed, wind signal no. 1 now up in 13 provinces

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/7/23/kiyapo-picks-up-speed-wind-signal-no-1-now-up-in-13-provinces-1157

9. Manibela strike hits 2nd day, eyes extension

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/23/manibela-strike-hits-2nd-day-eyes-extension

10. Part of Angat dam dries up as water level falls below critical mark

[DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2268935/angat-dams-water-level-dips-further-below-critical-mark-pagasa

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Thursday, 23 July 2026

Over 50K Surigao Sur residents benefit from gov’t rice assistance   

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — More than 50,000 residents across eight local government units (LGUs) in Surigao del Sur benefited from the Provincial Government’s rice augmentation program under the Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU), helping ease household food expenses and strengthen food security.

According to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Chief Hershey Nuñez, a total of 50,572 sacks of 10-kilogram rice have been distributed as of June 23 to identified beneficiaries in the province’s municipalities and city.

The allocations were distributed as follows: 5,311 sacks in Cortes, 4,128 in Lanuza, 8,860 in Carrascal, 4,933 in Madrid, 9,800 in San Miguel, 4,654 in Cantilan, 3,077 in Carmen, and 9,809 in Tandag City.

Among the beneficiaries is Marivic Itaas, a resident from Carrascal town, who said the rice assistance enabled her family to stretch their limited budget and set aside more of their income for other essential needs.

“Nagpasalamat ako kay naabtan kami sa tabang gikan sa nasyonal nga panggamhanan ug patas usab ang pagpanghatag sa among lokal nga panggamhanan dinhi sa Carrascal” (I am grateful that assistance from the national government reached us, and that our local government in Carrascal distributed it fairly), Itaas said.

She also acknowledged the continued support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carrascal, recalling that the municipality has regularly distributed rice assistance to residents about twice a year.

The same appreciation was shared by Raquel, a resident of San Miguel town, who said the rice augmentation helped reduce her family’s food expenses.

“Mapasalamaton ako sa lokal og nasyonal nga panggamhanan nga patas ang pagpanghatag, kay tanan apektado sa krisis” (I am thankful to the local and national governments for ensuring that the assistance was distributed fairly since everyone was affected by the crisis), she said.

She added that the assistance allowed her family to prioritize other important household needs while giving them confidence that government support reached those who needed it most.

The rice augmentation program reflects the government’s continuing commitment to strengthening food security and supporting vulnerable families through responsive social protection initiatives. By easing the cost of staple food, the program allows households to redirect limited resources to other basic needs while reinforcing the partnership between the national and local governments in delivering meaningful assistance to communities. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, 23 July 2026

OCD, PIA orient gov’t IOs, media on DRRM to craft more effective disaster communication

By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, successfully conducted a one-day orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) for government information officers (IOs) and media practitioners in the region.

The activity, held in Butuan City on July 20, which gathered around 50 IOs and media partners, forms part of the initiatives lined up for the observance of this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) celebrated throughout July. It aims to strengthen the capacity of communicators in delivering accurate, timely, and effective messaging during disaster situations.

PIA Caraga Regional Head Venus L. Garcia formally opened the activity, giving her message of support and welcoming the participating public and private communicators.

“In times of crisis and natural calamities, timely and accurate information is just as critical as food, water, and medicine. It is the lifeline that guides our communities to safety, counters panic, and coordinates relief efforts,” said Garcia.

She likewise encouraged media practitioners and information officers to uphold accuracy, verify information before dissemination, and work closely with partner agencies to ensure the public receives timely, credible, and life-saving information during emergencies.

OCD Caraga Information Officer II Ronald Anthony P. Briol discussed the role of media and IOs in risk communication, highlighting the importance of clear and consistent messaging in guiding communities and building public trust. His session underscored the responsibility of communicators as vital links between technical disaster data and the general public.

“Communication is an important facet in disaster risk management and should be handled diligently. It has elements and various channels which could be used to maximize its efficiency and effectiveness,” said Briol.

He concluded the discussion by sharing a quote, “Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, but leadership in communication starts with us.”

Meanwhile, Carlo Boneto C. Becera, information officer under the Operations section of OCD Caraga, addressed the issue of misinformation and disinformation in disasters. He emphasized the risks posed by false information during emergencies and provided strategies for detecting and countering misleading content to ensure that communities receive reliable updates.

To provide technical grounding, Engineer Ver Lancer Galanida, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) Butuan, delivered a comprehensive session on understanding hydrometeorological hazards and risks in the Caraga region. His presentation equipped participants with knowledge on localized weather-related threats, enabling them to interpret forecasts and advisories for practical community use.

Finally, Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante, information officer and DRRM focal person of PIA Caraga, shared insights on responsible disaster reporting and misinformation management. She underscored the ethical responsibility of communicators in disaster coverage, stressing the need to balance urgency with accuracy and to uphold the credibility of official information channels.

“Media practitioners and government communicators both play vital roles in combating misinformation and disinformation by verifying information, relying on credible disaster information sources and platforms, and promoting accurate information to support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts,” she said.

Participants were also encouraged to obtain disaster-related updates from the appropriate authorities and to maximize the use of government-initiated disaster information platforms such as HazardHunterPH, GeoRiskPH, PANaHON, and PIA News platforms, which provide timely, credible, and life-saving information before, during, and after disasters.

The orientation reaffirmed the commitment of the Caraga RDRRMC, OCD, and PIA Caraga to empower IOs and media practitioners as frontline partners in disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that disaster communication in the region remains seamless, reliable, and responsible. (NJGD, PIA Caraga) 

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 22 July 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

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

1. Impeach trial Day 9: Matibag cross-examination to continue

-Matibag: Betrayal of public trust consummated when Duterte admitted contracting assassin vs Marcos

-Impeachment court serves subpoenas for Sara Duterte’s financial records

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/22/impeach-trial-day-9-matibag-cross-examination-to-continue-1050

2. PBBM meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Malacanang

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

https://x.com/gmanews/status/2079824867030094257

3. House ready to host PBBM's penultimate SONA--Speaker Dy

-Recto leads meeting or safe, orderly 2026 Marcos Sona

-Metro Manila police all set for SONA; Full alert starts July 24

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Panay News, Sunstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/22/house-ready-to-host-pbbms-penultimate-sona-speaker-dy

4. Marcos distributes assistance in Bangsamoro region; Vows first BARMM elections will push through in September

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, News5PH, Sunstar]

https://www.inquirer.net/481754/marcos-vows-first-barmm-elections-will-push-through-in-september/

5. AFP rejects China's claim it 'permitted' Ayungin medical evacuation

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/995717/afp-rejects-china-s-claim-it-permitted-ayungin-medical-evacuation/story/

6. VP Sara leads 2028 presidential preference survey, followed by Robredo

[Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Panay News]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/22/vp-sara-leads-2028-presidential-preference-survey-followed-by-robredo

7. 64% of Filipinos distrust China — OCTA

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/07/22/2543904/64-filipinos-distrust-china-octa

8. MANIBELA starts 2-day transport strike vs mega oil price hike

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/995704/manibela-starts-2-day-transport-strike-vs-mega-oil-price-hike/story/

9. Marcoleta pleads not guilty to plunder, 1 of 3 ‘gift’ raps

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2268093/marcoleta-pleads-not-guilty-to-plunder-1-of-3-gift-raps

10. Anti-US protesters clash with police during Rubio visit; PCP condemns ‘harassment’ of photojournalists covering rally

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/22/anti-us-protesters-clash-with-police-amid-rubio-visit-2-journalists-nearly-arrested-1323

11. LPA enters PAR, has high chance of developing into tropical depression in 24 hours

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/weather/content/995713/lpa-enters-par-has-high-chance-of-developing-into-tropical-depression-in-24-hours/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

15 barangays in Butuan City receive over 4,000 kilos of rice from PBBM program  

By Renelle L. Escuadro  

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Over 4,000 kilos of rice were recently distributed to the 15 barangays in Butuan City under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program.

Funded under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), each beneficiary received one 10-kilo bag of rice during the July 12–13 distribution activity held at the covered court of Barangay Doongan in this city.

Barangays covered by the distribution activity include Barangays Agusan Pequeno, Bading, Bayanihan, Dagohoy, Doongan, Fort Poyohon, Holy Redeemer, Imadejas, JP Rizal, Limaha, Obrero, Ong Yiu, San Ignacio, Tandang Sora, and Villa Kananga.

Doongan Punong Barangay Gilberto A. Enriquez, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on July 20, expressed his gratitude that the Office of the President’s rice program reached the indigent and vulnerable families.

“Thank you, President Bongbong Marcos, for the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) initiative because it directly benefited our constituents, especially with the ongoing crisis,” Enriquez said.

“For our barangay, a total of 1,031 sacks of rice were allocated and distributed to target beneficiaries,” he added.

He also shared that Barangay Doongan, considered a district barangay, served as the host venue of the rice distribution. “We ensured that when the rice was delivered, the items were secured and the distribution was properly organized.”

He further said that the program’s implementation was a success with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga and the Butuan City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD).

PBBM’s initiative “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” was launched on February 23. It aims to strengthen local government units through increased financial support to help them respond more effectively to the needs and concerns of their communities.

It includes distributing 10 kilograms of rice to each of the most vulnerable beneficiaries under the expanded Local Government Support Fund rice assistance program to improve food security and accelerate aid delivery at the community level. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)