TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 21 January 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 21 January 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1.    Marcos impeachment complaint transmitted to Speaker’s office

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/21/marcos-impeachment-complaint-transmitted-to-speaker-s-office-1004

2. Bayan to file 2nd Marcos impeach raps over budget, flood scandal

[Daily Tribune, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2171190/bayan-to-file-2nd-marcos-impeach-raps-over-budget-flood-scandal’

3. Trillanes, civil society group file plunder, graft raps vs Sara Duterte

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2171179/trillanes-on-plunder-graft-complaints-vs-sara-duterte

4. Zaldy Co sends feelers to Ombudsman, seeks ‘dialogue’ — DILG chief

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/306443/zaldy-co-sends-feelers-to-ombudsman-seeks-dialogue-dilg-chief-2

5. DOJ takes custody of Henry Alcantara under Witness Protection Program

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2171253/doj-takes-custody-of-henry-alcantara

6. Lacson: Minority report on flood control a disrespect to blue ribbon panel

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2171208/lacson-minority-report-symbolizes-disrespect-to-blue-ribbon-panel

7. Manila Rep. Valeriano files cyberlibel case vs. Cavite Rep. Barzaga over bribery claims

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/21/manila-rep-valeriano-files-cyberlibel-case-vs-cavite-rep-barzaga-over-bribery-claims

8. PNP OKs Torre's retirement, paving way for Nartatez promotion as PNP chief

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/21/pnp-oks-torre-s-retirement-paving-way-for-nartatez-promotion-as-pnp-chief-0845

9. China, PH hope to accelerate South China Sea talks this year

[Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/21/china-ph-hope-to-accelerate-south-china-sea-talks-this-year

10. CICC to lift ban on Grok following talks with developer xAI

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/technology/973590/cicc-to-lift-ban-on-grok-following-talks-with-xai/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Measles, rubella cases in Caraga decline; DOH urges mothers to vaccinate children

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health–Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga confirmed during the Kapihan sa PIA on January 14 that their vaccination campaign against measles and rubella has been effective, resulting in a decrease in the number of cases of these diseases in the region.

According to Doctor Amethyst Kathleen G. Alicante, medical officer IV of DOH-CHD Caraga, there were 129 recorded cases of measles and rubella in 2024. However, this went down to 98 cases in 2025. “This decrease in cases is considered a result of the department’s successful immunization campaign, including the continued strengthening of health information and services in communities with the help of the local and barangay health workers.”

However, she disclosed that there are cities and provinces in the Caraga region that have significant increases in the number of cases. “Based on regional data, there are cities and provinces that recorded a significant increase in measles and rubella cases, which is why the vaccination campaign still needs to be intensified,” said Doctor Alicante.

“Surigao del Sur recorded a 240 percent increase, followed by Cabadbaran City with 67 percent, Agusan del Sur with 27 percent, and Tandag City with a 25 percent increase in measles and rubella cases,” she added. “Because of this, DOH-CHD Caraga is urging all parents with children aged 6 to 59 months to have their children vaccinated during the Supplemental Immunization Activity (SIA) in their barangays, to prevent infection and possible severe complications brought by measles and rubella.”

“Our parents should not be afraid because we have trained nurses and doctors who administer the vaccines. Our vaccines are proven and tested; these are the same vaccines we have been giving for 50 years,” assured Alicante.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released that both measles and rubella are contagious diseases that occur most often in children and young adults. Measles remains an important cause of death among young children globally.  While rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Agusan Sur town to launch localized ride-hailing app ahead of Palarong Pambansa 2026

By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The municipality of San Francisco in Agusan del Sur is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and visitors as one of the official billeting areas for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026. In line with this, the local government unit (LGU) is set to introduce a localized ride-hailing application that will cater to the transportation needs of delegates and guests during the national sporting event.

The innovation, currently undergoing simulation, will enable users to book local tricycles through a mobile platform similar to popular services like Grab. The LGU is also in the process of determining tariff rates based on distance traveled to ensure that fares remain fair, transparent, and consistent across the municipality.

Municipal Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo proudly shared the development, emphasizing its importance both for visitors and local drivers. “We came up with this ride-hailing application, which enables visitors to book our local tricycles the same way as other similar applications, such as ‘Grab’ [taxi]. Besides helping out tricycle drivers in looking for passengers, this, in turn, will also be a big help for our guests, who, despite their location across the municipality, booking a ride will be no hassle,” she said.

The LGU believes the initiative will not only ease mobility for guests but also provide livelihood opportunities for tricycle drivers, who will benefit from a more organized and accessible passenger booking system. By integrating technology into local transport services, San Francisco aims to showcase its adaptability and readiness to host a large-scale national event.

Officials noted that the ride-hailing app is part of a broader set of preparations being undertaken by the municipality to ensure that delegates experience a smooth and memorable stay. Aside from transportation, San Francisco is also coordinating with schools, barangays, and local establishments to provide safe accommodations, reliable utilities, and accessible public services during the games.

The Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier student-athlete competition, is expected to draw thousands of participants from across the Philippines to Agusan del Sur as this year’s host province. San Francisco, serving as a billeting area, is seen as an opportunity to show the LGU’s hospitality, promoting the municipality as a progressive and visitor-friendly destination.

The localized ride-hailing app is expected to be fully operational before the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2026. Once launched, it will stand as one of the pioneering initiatives in Agusan del Sur, setting a precedent for other municipalities to explore digital solutions that enhance tourism and community services. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

LGU Agusan Sur pauses to reflect on life, values, service

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Various departments and offices of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) briefly paused their daily operations to participate in a period of reflection and sharing, highlighting personal experiences and workplace journeys throughout the year 2025. 

The activity was conducted through the office visitation of the PGAS Moral Recovery and Values Formation Services (MRVFS), aimed at strengthening values, faith, and compassion among public servants.

The office visitation provided employees an opportunity to step back from routine tasks and engage in moments of reflection, prayer, and dialogue, fostering emotional and spiritual well-being within the workplace.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the MRVFS for having this kind of program—an office visitation. We were allowed to pause for a while, not just to work, but to be reminded that we truly need the grace of God,” said Provincial Engineer Linda M. Buquir. 

“Work ni siya ninyo [ang MRVFS] pero sa amo nga part opportunity namo ni siya nga naay libre na services nga makapaduol ta, makapaminaw ta sa pulong sa Ginoo, ug sa mga blessings sa uban. Ma remind ta to be kind to everyone kay wala ta kabalo sa atong ka storya nga galisod na siya sa sulod,” said Josephine B. Ambongan, provincial administrator.

(This [MRVFS] is your work, but on our part, this is an opportunity where there are free services that bring us closer, allowing us to listen to the Word of God and to the blessings of others. It reminds us to be kind to everyone, because we do not know what the person we are talking to may be going through inside).

Despite differences in religion, culture, and beliefs, employees actively participated in the activity, demonstrating unity and mutual respect across offices.

“Sa kani nga significant event, nagkahiusa gyud mi, kay dili ni discriminatory when it comes to religion, beliefs, kay lahi-lahi mi og tinuohan, and denominations. Considerate kaayo ni [nga activity]. We thank you, MRVFS kay naa moy ingani na program, and avenue na mo remind sa ato na good or bad, small or big, we should always be grateful. (In this significant event, we truly came together because it is not discriminatory when it comes to religion and beliefs, as we have different faiths and denominations. This activity is very considerate. We thank MRVFS for having this kind of program—an avenue that reminds us that whether things are good or bad, small or big, we should always be grateful,” said Zha-zha I. Montiel, administrative officer II of the  Agusan del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The MRVFS office visitation aims to continuously nurture PGAS offices into becoming God-centered and values-driven institutions. It also emphasizes empathy and understanding among public servants, reminding them that every individual they serve—and work with—has an untold life story that deserves respect, compassion and understanding. 

Through initiatives like this, the provincial government reinforces its commitment not only to efficient public service but also to the holistic well-being of its workforce. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with the report from MRVFS)

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Caraga State U’s Muslim prayer room strengthens campus inclusivity

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City has taken a meaningful step in supporting its Muslim students and personnel by providing a dedicated space for prayer that strengthens inclusivity, promotes respect, and fosters a harmonious campus environment.

The Muslim prayer room is a testament to CSU’s commitment to the well-being and needs of the diverse student body, ensuring that everyone has access to facilities that cater to their academic, social, and spiritual needs.

According to the university officials, the CSU is the first and only school among state universities and colleges (SUC) across the Caraga region that offers a dedicated Muslim prayer room.

Located on the 2nd floor of the CSU library, the Muslim prayer room is designed to accommodate many students and is accessible for use during all prayer times. It is equipped with essential facilities to support the practice of Islamic worship, including prayer mats, Qibla direction markers, and clean ablution facilities for Wudu or ritual purification. It is also gender-segregated, ensuring privacy and comfort for all Muslim students, including employees.

Doctor Rissa L. Mercado, vice president for Student Affairs and Auxiliary Services, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga stated, “The goal of the Muslim prayer room is to provide Muslim students and staff with a designated space for their prayers and spiritual activities in a peaceful and comfortable setting.”

She added that the initiative accommodates the growing Muslim student population in CSU, ensuring that their religious obligations are met with ease and convenience. “For the academic year 2025-2026, we have 23 students and two personnel who are Muslims. Most are Maranao, Tausug, and Balik-Islam or non-Muslims converting to Islam.”

VP Mercado gave credit to some personnel of CSU who are alumni of the Mindanao State University (MSU), and they inspired the university’s leadership to strengthen support for Muslim students. She cited CSU President Rolyn C. Daguil, an alumnus of MSU main campus in Marawi City, who leads the university not only in providing quality education to the learners, but also in bolstering the advocacy on campus inclusivity.

She also shared that aside from the Muslim prayer room, CSU has a dedicated Muslim student body known as the Caraga Muslim Students Association (CAMSA), which currently has 21 members. “Together with the adviser and officers  of CAMSA, we are working on establishing a dedicated space in the canteen where we can sell Halal delicacy or food that conforms to Islamic dietary laws, such as the famous pater, palapa, among others.”

Meanwhile, Johara B. Mona, president of CAMSA, expressed gratitude to CSU for the safe space that it has provided to the Muslim students and personnel. “I have not experienced discrimination inside the campus, in fact, CAMSA actively participates in various activities on campus.

“During the recent Pause-to-Pass activity where students were given free ‘pospas’ or porridge before or after taking their final examinations, the CAMSA also joined and was given a space where we also offered free ‘balolon,’ a Muslim porridge,” Mona said, mentioning their group’s sample engagement as a testament to their recognition and belongingness in the university.

She encouraged Muslim students, especially the Balik-Islam to declare their ethnicity and religious affiliation upon enrollment and join the CAMSA so they too can have a more positive campus experience and better exercise their freedom to practice their faith.

The CSU’s Muslim prayer room is a significant achievement that enhances the university’s commitment to inclusivity. It serves as a model for other institutions to design spaces that cater to the unique needs of their diverse student population, ensuring that all members of the academic community feel respected and valued. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from CSU-OSWE)