TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 4 February 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 04 February 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. House panel junks Marcos impeachment complaints, cites insufficiency in substance

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

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/house-panel-junks-marcos-jr-impeachment-complaints-insufficient-substance/

2. Sandro Marcos seeks 'immediate abolition' of travel tax, files bill

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Sunstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/04/sandro-marcos-seeks-immediate-abolition-of-travel-tax-files-bill

3. Marcos satisfaction rating stays neutral —SWS

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2177375/marcos-net-satisfaction-rate-neutral-sws-survey

4. Sunken MV Trisha Kerstin 3 found in Basilan; death toll climbs to 45

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2177442/fwd-pcg-recovers-two-more-bodies-off-basilan-death-toll-climbs-to-45

5. Lacson: Draft report seeks plunder raps vs Escudero, Villanueva, Estrada, Co

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2177461/lacson-blue-ribbon-report-endorsing-plunder-raps-vs-3-senators-co-is-true

6. Duterte bloc in House opposes fresh suspension calls vs Kiko Barzaga

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Mindanao Times, NewsWatchPlus, SunStar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2177535/duterte-bloc-in-house-opposes-fresh-suspension-calls-vs-kiko-barzaga

7. Japan offers third loan to PH for MRT-3 rehab

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/04/japan-offers-third-loan-to-ph-for-mrt-3-rehab

8. Frasco orders removal of DOT materials bearing her photo

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975308/frasco-orders-removal-of-dot-materials-bearing-her-photo/story/

9. DOJ set to file before CTA tax evasion cases vs. Discaya spouses

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Rappler, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/04/doj-set-to-file-before-cta-tax-evasion-cases-vs-discaya-spouses

10. 'Basyang' may intensify into tropical storm before landfall; Signal No. 1 raised in eastern Mindanao

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2026/2/4/-basyangph-signal-no-1-hoisted-over-surigao-del-sur-eastern-surigao-del-norte-1146

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Authorities intensify efforts to uphold peace after Barobo Mayor targeted in shooting incident

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BAROBO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) ---  Government officials have assured the public of a swift and thorough response following the shooting incident that wounded Barobo Mayor Ronito L. Martizano and his military escort, PFC Khevin Mark Claridad, on February 3, 2026, in Barangay Dughan, in Barobo town.

Mayor Martizano, traveling from Sitio Panaraga, Barangay Gamut, to Barobo proper, was ambushed when unidentified suspects blocked his vehicle and fired several shots before fleeing toward San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Both victims are now reported to be in stable condition.

In response, the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office, led by Provincial Director Colonel Jeffrey Lawrence D. Mauricio, has activated the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Martizano to spearhead the investigation. Authorities are closely monitoring a Person of Interest and continue to gather evidence to ensure the swift apprehension of the perpetrators. The public is urged to rely only on official information to avoid the spread of unverified reports.

2nd District Congressman Alexander T. Pimentel condemned the attack as an affront to the rule of law, democracy, and the safety of all elected officials. As chairperson of the House Committee on Strategic Intelligence and member of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, Pimentel is coordinating with the PNP and NBI to ensure that justice is served, emphasizing that violence against Surigaonon public officials will not be tolerated.

Governor Johnny Pimentel echoed these sentiments, affirming the provincial government’s full support for law enforcement agencies. “Attacks against our local leaders threaten not only individual lives but also the peace, stability, and democratic institutions we work hard to uphold in our province. The law must be respected, and those responsible will be held accountable."

This coordinated response reflects the current administration’s national agenda of promoting peace, protecting public officials, and strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring that communities remain safe and orderly.

Authorities continue to investigate, and updates will be provided as the situation develops. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur) 

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Agusan Norte ramps up preparedness ahead of TD Basyang

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —  The members of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), chaired by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosdell M. Amante, convened for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) to ensure coordinated preparations for Tropical Depression (TD) Basyang. 

“Preparedness saves lives. We must act early, work together, and ensure that every local government unit is ready to respond to any possible impact of TD Basyang,” Governor Amante said.

PAGASA-Butuan Chief Meteorological Officer Ver Lancer Galanida reported that all barangays in the province are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall. He urged residents and local government units to monitor water levels, remain vigilant, and follow official advisories.

All municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) offices reported their preparedness measures. MDRRMO Nasipit placed responders on full standby, with three ambulances and heavy equipment ready for deployment, and MDRRMO Tubay activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with personnel, vehicles, prepositioned heavy equipment, and 587 food packs prepared for distribution. The Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte–Butuan City Chapter also mobilized its 143 volunteers, deployed an emergency medical services (EMS) team, and established a communication center.

PDRRMO Chief Erma Suyo urged local offices to strengthen early warning systems, emphasizing that “Early warning systems should not only inform but also guide our communities on what actions to take. Barangay officials must always be included in PDRA meetings so they fully understand the possible impacts of disasters in their respective areas.” 

She added that all equipment should be prepositioned, communication channels maximized, and lessons learned from previous disasters fully implemented. The Provincial Emergency Operations Center is now activated in preparation for TD Basyang, with member agencies providing inputs during the PDRA held Tuesday, February 4. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) 

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 3 February 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 03 February 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. PBBM IMPEACHMENT CASE:

-Marcos impeach raps’ sufficiency in substance to be determined Wednesday

-De Lima: Impeachment raps vs Marcos fail House sufficiency test

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2176874/fwd-marcos-impeach-raps-sufficiency-in-substance-to-be-determined-wednesday

2. Sandro Marcos pushes ‘no work, no pay’ bill for lawmakers

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2176771/sandro-marcos-pushes-no-work-no-pay-bill-for-lawmakers

3. Palace: Fate of ICI rests with commission itself

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2176895/palace-fate-of-ici-rests-with-commission-itself

4. Marcos 'initially approves' extending registration validity of new cars to 5 years

[BusinessWorld, DZBB, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/03/marcos-initially-approves-extending-registration-validity-of-new-cars-to-5-years

5. Raffy Tulfo calls out DOT’s Frasco for ‘self-promotion’ in tourism materials

[DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975164/raffy-tulfo-calls-out-dot-s-frasco-for-self-promotion-in-tourism-materials/story/

6. Lacson blasts critics linking Legarda in coup plot vs Sotto

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975168/lacson-senate-presidency-dangled-to-legarda/story/

7. Manny Villar denies engaging in illegal practices amid SEC complaint

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

https://business.inquirer.net/572199/villar-denies-wrongdoing-amid-sec-charges

8. SILG Remulla: Car dealer, partner behind deaths of policewoman, son

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/975150/silg-remulla-car-dealer-partner-behind-deaths-of-policewoman-son/story/

9. LPA east of Mindanao likely to become tropical depression — PAGASA

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/03/lpa-east-of-mindanao-likely-to-become-tropical-depression-pagasa

10. Earthquake swarm in offshore Sultan Kudarat now 3,319

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/975138/earthquake-swarm-in-offshore-sultan-kudarat-now-3-319/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

Homemade malunggay chips recipe evolves into regional product

By Nora L. Molde

What started as a simple family snack has grown into a promising micro-enterprise, as IAM’s Original Malunggay Chips steadily enter local and regional markets, offering a healthy and affordable food option for Filipino families, especially children.

IAM’s Malunggay Chips highlight the natural, mundane flavor of fresh malunggay—light, crispy, and pure. From the garden to the table, the product reflects a commitment to wholesome, natural food that supports proper nutrition among the youth.

Behind the brand is Miriam Villarivera, a retired bank employee from Buenavista town in the province of Agusan del Norte, who initially prepared the chips for her family, friends, and neighbors. Encouraged by positive feedback and increasing demand, she gradually transformed the homemade delicacy into a small business.

The growth of the maluggay chips business aligns with the national government’s directive to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of inclusive economic growth, job generation, and food security, particularly in the regions.

With support from the Department of Trade and Industry – Agusan del Norte (DTI-ADN), Villarivera expanded production to supply schools and offices in her hometown. 

By 2024, IAM’s Malunggay Chips had reached a wider market, becoming available in schools, offices, stores, and institutions in Butuan City, Tandag City, nearby municipalities, including Nasipit in Agusan del Norte, and other parts of the Caraga region.

One key advantage of the enterprise is the easy availability of raw materials. Villarivera has about 20 fully grown malunggay trees in her backyard, supplemented by additional supplies from neighbors, particularly during peak seasons.

“Our neighbors give us their malunggay leaves when they have excess, especially during times of high demand such as the holiday season,” Villarivera shared.

“Malunggay is a common plant here. I also buy from our neighbors when needed,” she added.

Recognizing the product’s potential, Villarivera sought advice from friends and was referred to DTI-ADN in 2024. That same year, she participated in a packaging seminar for aspiring entrepreneurs, in line with DTI’s continuing efforts to improve product competitiveness and market readiness of local MSMEs.

“The DTI-ADN helped me conceptualize the packaging of my product until we came out with a final design. I am thankful to DTI-ADN for their help,” she said.

Supporting the national directive to promote local products and expand market access for MSMEs by introducing IAM’s Malunggay Chips as a healthy snack option for schools and offices, DTI-ADN also connected IAM’s to trade fairs in Butuan City.

A small pack of the chips is priced at P10, making it affordable for students, while larger packs are sold at P40. The enterprise also accepts retailer orders.

By 2025, Villarivera was producing more than 800 packs per month, with deliveries made every two weeks. Buenavista town remains the largest market, accounting for about 500 packs per delivery cycle, followed by Tandag City in Surigao del Sur with 180 to 200 packs, and Butuan City with 150 to 200 packs.

From its original plain flavor, the product line has expanded to include chili, chili cheese, barbecue, and sour cream onion variants, catering to changing consumer preferences.

Her husband, Diosdado Villarivera, a former elected official, now dedicates his time to supporting the business by assisting with deliveries and helping establish connections with additional markets across the province.

Strong sales over the past year enabled the family to purchase a dehydrator, improving production efficiency, particularly in drying malunggay leaves.

“What we are focusing on is expanding our markets, especially in schools, offices, and cooperatives,” she said. We rely on consistent sales and gradual growth.

Most of their deliveries go to school canteens, which account for the bulk of the demand, supporting the government’s push to promote healthier food choices among children.

Starting with an initial capital of just P5,000, IAM’s Malunggay Chips has grown from a backyard initiative into a livelihood enterprise that helps address parents’ concerns about providing nutritious food for their children, demonstrating how simple, locally sourced products, supported by national directives and government assistance, can contribute to healthier communities and sustainable local economies. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)