TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 28 May 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

28 May 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

1. MARCOS JAPAN STATE VISIT:

-Marcos set to meet Japan PM Takaichi to discuss supply chains, deepen security ties

-Marcos: PH, Japan to elevate ties to 'comprehensive strategic partnership'

-Marcos secures $3.4 billion pledges from Japanese investors

-PH, Japan sign 3 MOUs on smart cities, digital services, fintech

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

https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/marcos-set-to-meet-japan-pm-takaichi-to-discuss-supply-chains-deepen-security-ties

2. ICC chamber sets start of Duterte trial on November 30

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/324943/icc-chamber-sets-start-of-duterte-trial-on-november-30

3. DELA ROSA ICC ARREST ORDER:

-Senate shooting, dela Rosa escape ‘related’ — CIDG

-Davao police says only 'monitoring' Dela Rosa presence sans copy of ICC warrant

-PNP: Order revoking dela Rosa’s gun licenses received by lawyer 

-Padilla backs online attendance for any senator sans final conviction

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/989297/senate-shooting-bato-dela-rosa-escape-related-cidg/story/

4. Estrada, Bonoan charged with plunder, graft over flood control scam; arrest looms

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

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/jinggoy-estrada-manuel-bonoan-plunder-graft-cases-flood-control-filed/

5. Ex-Budget chief faces plunder raps over ₱60-B PhilHealth funds

[GMA News, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/05/28/ex-budget-chief-faces-plunder-raps-over-%e2%82%b160-b-philhealth-funds/

6. Hontiveros rejects Padilla's claim on force majeure; La Salle heads: Senate seen shielding powerful, not upholding law

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Guardian, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/989261/force-majeure-robin-padilla-risa-hontiveros/story/

7. DFA: Law enforcement actions against Chinese nationals not based on nationality

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/28/dfa-law-enforcement-actions-against-chinese-nationals-not-based-on-nationality

8. Angeles City building collapse death toll rises to 5

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/989264/angeles-city-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-5/story/

9. TS Jangmi moves closer to PAR, affects eastern Mindanao

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, Philstar]

https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/ts-jangmi-moves-closer-to-par-affects-eastern-mindanao

10. Yellow alert raised anew over Visayas region

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Daily Guardian, DZBB, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH]

https://business.inquirer.net/592569/yellow-alert-raised-anew-over-visayas-region

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Thursday, 28 May 2026

DICT provides reliable, free connectivity, communication support for 2026 Palarong Pambansa

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga continues to strengthen digital connectivity and emergency communications operations in support of this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

As part of the Caraga Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT) stationed at the area command post (ACP), the DICT Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Free Wi-Fi team personnel provided internet connectivity, communications interoperability, and ICT operational support to key command and coordination centers across the host province, Agusan del Sur.

DICT Caraga Director Mario P. Cuñado shared that the regional office supported operational sites and 42 billeting quarters for the Palarong Pambansa, ensuring stable and dependable communication services for event management, coordination, safety, and emergency response operations throughout the national sporting event.

“By providing emergency communication tools, internet solutions, Free Wi-Fi for All in billeting areas, and ongoing technical support, DICT Caraga helps ensure smooth coordination among event organizers, response teams, security, delegates, athletes, and other partners,” he said.

This initiative, in fulfillment of the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reflects DICT Caraga’s commitment to delivering resilient, secure, and reliable ICT services in support of large-scale national events and public safety operations. 

Meanwhile, the BigaTen of Northern Mindanao (Region 10) expressed gratitude to DICT Caraga for the Starlink internet kit, powering real-time reporting, crucial technical operations, and livestreaming of the games. “Thank you, DICT Caraga, for stepping up as a valued partner in making this national event digitally connected.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands, with a report from DICT Caraga)

Thursday, 28 May 2026

TESDA, DOLE, PLGU train Dinagat Islands’ construction workforce

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Provincial Training Center in Dinagat Islands conducted a Training Induction Program (TIP) for Masonry National Certificate (NC) II and Trainers Methodology (TM) I.

In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the provincial government of Dinagat Islands under the leadership of Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., the activity prepares a skilled workforce for the province’s upcoming infrastructure development initiatives.

Held on May 19, the event trained participants enrolled in Masonry NC II who are beneficiaries of DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and supported through the Scholarship for Training and Employment Program (STEP). 

They were identified and endorsed by the provincial government through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PPESO) as part of the province’s strategy to prepare a pool of skilled workers for immediate and future infrastructure projects.

Also, the trainees under Trainers Methodology (TM) I are part of the regular TESDA training program aimed at developing future trainers who will play a crucial role in sustaining and multiplying technical education efforts in the province.

As response to the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on strengthening the country’s construction workforce at the local level, Supervising TESD Specialist Windrow P. Bugas reaffirmed TESDA’s strong commitment to expanding training opportunities in the province of Dinagat Islands. “The training programs are relevant in addressing local employment needs, and TESDA continues to develop a competent and job-ready workforce aligned with the province’s development agenda.”

“The conduct of the Training Induction Program also reflects a unified effort among national and local government agencies to empower Dinagatnons through accessible, demand-driven, and community-based skills training, ensuring that no opportunity is left untapped as the province advances toward inclusive growth and development,” Bugas said as he emphasized the agency’s commitment to ‘Dahil sa TESDA pagsama-sama, Kayang-kaya.’

Alexia Mae Elmido, TUPAD coordinator of DOLE Dinagat Islands, shared that all beneficiaries were properly oriented on the program guidelines, expectations, and compliance requirements, ensuring that trainees are prepared to undertake the training responsibly.

Provincial PESO Manager Lucia V. Galabo highlighted the significance of the collaboration among TESDA, DOLE, and the provincial government. “The training is a proactive measure to ensure the availability of skilled workers as the province gears up for major infrastructure projects in the second half of the year.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from TESDA Caraga)

Thursday, 28 May 2026

CSC launches Project Dasig in Caraga

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered public service, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga launched Project Dasig on May 25, reinforcing efforts to improve government frontline services and strengthen compliance with ease of doing business policies.

The initiative is part of CSC Caraga’s commitment to transform public service delivery and enhance government responsiveness by promoting integrity, accountability, and excellence across public offices.

Anchored on Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, Project Dasig, which means ‘efficient,’ aims to go beyond basic compliance with service standards by fostering a culture of professionalism and genuine public service in government transactions.

According to CSC Caraga Regional Director Winston L. Plaza, Project Dasig is a localized adaptation of the ART Watch Framework, designed to encourage, inspire, and empower government agencies toward sincere compliance with Republic Act No. 11032 and the broader principles of efficient governance.

Dir. Plaza explained that the initiative was developed in response to recurring concerns raised by citizens through the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), particularly complaints related to delays in government processes and frontline service delivery.

“While significant progress has already been achieved over the years, we cannot deny that challenges remain,” he said. “Based on records from the CSC Contact Center ng Bayan or CCB, we continue to receive ease-of-doing-business-related complaints. The CSC separately monitors these complaints, and when we closely examine the data, many concerns point to recurring service delivery issues involving delays in processing, procedural inefficiencies, and concerns regarding frontline service experience.”

“From 2025 to April 2026 alone, CSC Caraga recorded 20 ease of doing business-related concerns through the Contact Center ng Bayan, strengthening the commission’s resolve to help agencies improve service delivery mechanisms,” Plaza added.

At the launch, he told the attendees that under Project Dasig, CSC Caraga will conduct unannounced spot-check visits to assess compliance with the Citizens’ Charter and evaluate the implementation of processing standards in government offices. The initiative also includes issuing advisory letters with corresponding corrective actions and conducting follow-up visits to ensure that identified improvements are properly implemented and sustained.

The program aligns with national efforts to modernize government systems, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and rebuild public trust by making public services faster, more accessible, and more responsive to citizens’ needs.

Through Project Dasig, CSC Caraga reinforces its commitment to promoting efficient, transparent, and people-centered governance across the region while contributing to the country’s broader goal of improving the quality of public service delivery nationwide. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Thursday, 28 May 2026

DAR conducts dialogue with Mamanwa IP community on Project SPLIT

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Agrarian Reform-Surigao del Norte Provincial Project Management Office (DAR-SDN PPMO) convened a landmark indigenous peoples (IP) Plan consultation with the Mamanwa community in Barangay Cagtinae, Malimono, Surigao del Norte. 

Operating under the guidance of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project as mandated by President Ferdinand ‘PBBM’ Marcos Jr., the multi-agency dialogue was designed to harmonise land titling fast-tracking with the protection of indigenous rights, cultural integrity, and ancestral domains.

​The primary goal of the consultation was to establish a safeguard mechanism to ensure that Project SPLIT’s implementation remains deeply sensitive and responsive to the unique rights and welfare of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).

​While Project SPLIT aims to subdivide Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CCLOAs) into individual land titles to give agrarian reform beneficiaries clear ownership, the IP Plan serves as a critical buffer. It ensures that lands overlapping with ancestral domains are treated with the appropriate legal and cultural protocols, strictly upholding the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

​Reflecting the complexity and importance of land governance in indigenous areas, the activity gathered a multi-sectoral representation of local government, environmental, and indigenous welfare agencies, such as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in ensuring adherence to the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA); Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); DAR-Surigao del Norte; LGU Malimono and Barangay Council of Cagtinae; and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR).

​Regional Social Safeguards Division (SSD) and Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Regional Coordinator OIC-CARPO Annilyn Chan discussed the overview and importance of the IP Plan under Project SPLIT, emphasizing the meaningful participation of IP communities. “The IP Plan under Project SPLIT is not just a bureaucratic requirement – it is a mechanism to guarantee that indigenous communities are active drivers of the land titling process, rather than passive observers.”

​Following the strategic overviews, Regional ESS Specialist Jelyn Acido spearheaded a practical orientation on the mandatory annex forms and meticulous documentation procedures required by the World Bank-funded project. 

To bridge the gap between policy and execution, DAR-SDN personnel collaborated with the Mamanwa participants, providing hands-on assistance to accomplish the paperwork. ​This consultation established a solid foundation for inter-agency coordination and grassroots participation. By involving the Mamanwa tribe from the outsett, DAR-SDN ensures the acceleration of individual land titles. It acts as a tool for economic empowerment without compromising the cultural heritage and territorial security of Surigao del Norte’s first peoples.

In his message, Datu Rannie expressed hope and welcomed the noble intentions of Project SPLIT. 

He said, “We understand that providing individual land titles is a step toward economic empowerment, security, and progress for many Filipino farmers. We recognize the hard work DAR has put into bridging the gaps in land ownership across the country.”

​Moving forward, the documented insights and accomplished data from this session will directly shape the localised IP Plan, serving as a blueprint for future parcelization activities across indigenous lands in the Caraga region. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)