Pro-Duterte Bloggers Snub House Hearing on Fake News Regulation
The House of Representatives took a firm stance on Tuesday, issuing show cause orders against former press secretary trixie Cruz-Angeles and several prominent social media supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte for their failure to attend a crucial hearing on the spread of fake news and disinformation online. The hearing, conducted by the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, and public Information, aimed to explore potential regulatory measures to curb misinformation on social media platforms.
Out of approximately 40 invited social media figures, only three attended the session. Among those who skipped the hearing were former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict officials Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celis, actress Vivian Velez, former broadcaster Jay Sonza, and bloggers Sass Sasot, Jun Abines, Mark Anthony Lopez, Lord Byron Cristobal (Banat By), and Krizette Chu.
Cruz-Angeles, a lawyer and former chief of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, outright rejected the committee invitation, calling the inquiry unconstitutional. Her response drew sharp criticism from Abang lingkod party-list Rep. joseph Stephen Paduano, who accused her of blatantly disregarding Congress’ authority. Paduano moved to issue a show cause order against Cruz-Angeles and referred her case to the House legal department for a potential disbarment complaint.
The hearing underscores the growing concern over the unchecked spread of misinformation on social media platforms, which has become a important issue in the Philippines. The House panels are now considering stricter measures to regulate online content and hold individuals accountable for spreading false information.
Meralco Franchise Renewed Amid Controversy
In a separate development, the Senate voted 18-1-0 to renew the franchise of the Manila Electric Co. (meralco) for another 25 years. The decision came after extensive debates,with Sen. Risa Hontiveros casting the sole dissenting vote. Hontiveros argued that Meralco “throughout the years failed to abide by its obligations to serve the consumers as reflected by excessively high electricity bills.”
The renewal of MeralcoS franchise has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning the company’s commitment to consumer welfare. Meanwhile, supporters of the renewal emphasize Meralco’s role in providing essential services to millions of Filipinos.
Key Highlights
| Topic | Details |
|——————————–|———————————————————————————————–|
| House Hearing on Fake News | Show cause orders issued against Trixie Cruz-Angeles and pro-Duterte bloggers for non-attendance. |
| Meralco Franchise Renewal | senate renews Meralco’s franchise for 25 years; Sen. hontiveros votes against it.|
For more in-depth coverage, read the full stories on Pro-Duterte bloggers snub House hearing and Meralco franchise renewed for 25 years.
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National Debt Climbs to P16.05 Trillion in 2024, Debt-to-GDP Ratio Rises
Table of Contents
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- National Debt Climbs to P16.05 Trillion in 2024, Debt-to-GDP Ratio Rises
- BARMM Elections Postponed to October 13
- New PhilHealth Chief Appointed
- Meralco Franchise Renewal Gains Momentum
- Alex Eala Aims for Breakthrough in Mumbai
- Key Highlights at a Glance
- A Closer Look at Eala’s Performance
- What’s Next for Eala?
- Engaging with the Community
- Final Thoughts
- Alex Eala’s Rollercoaster Start to the 2025 Tennis Season: A deep Dive
The Philippines’ national debt reached P16.05 trillion by the end of 2024, marking an increase of P1.44 trillion from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Treasury.This rise comes despite the country’s economy growing by 5.6 percent in 2024. The debt-to-GDP ratio also inched up to 60.7 percent, slightly higher than the 60.2 percent recorded in 2023 and above the government’s target of 60.6 percent under the medium-term fiscal framework.
The Treasury attributed the uptick to external factors, including a volatile exchange rate habitat. However,it emphasized that the “minimal deviation from the programmed debt underscores NG’s effective cash and debt management strategies,including its proactive management of the level and timing of its external debt issuances.”
BARMM Elections Postponed to October 13
In a significant political development, the House of Representatives and the Senate have agreed to postpone the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from May 12 to October 13. Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed the agreement, noting that the final version of the bill will be submitted to President Ferdinand marcos Jr. for signature before Congress adjourns on February 7. The president had earlier certified the Senate bill as urgent, ensuring its swift passage.
New PhilHealth Chief Appointed
President Marcos also appointed Dr. Edwin Mercado, a US-trained orthopedic surgeon, as the new president and chief executive officer of the Philippine health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Mercado, who previously served as vice chairman of the Mercado General Hospital and qualimed Health Network since 2021, took his oath of office in Malacañang on Tuesday. He replaces Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., who stepped down from the position.
Meralco Franchise Renewal Gains Momentum
Meanwhile, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and four foreign chambers of commerce have called for the renewal of Meralco’s franchise for another 25 years. Senator Joel Villanueva has filed Senate Bill 2824, which seeks to grant the utility giant a fresh 25-year authority to operate.Villanueva highlighted Meralco’s critical role in delivering electricity to millions of homes and businesses, emphasizing the need to maintain business confidence in the manufacturing sector.
Alex Eala Aims for Breakthrough in Mumbai
In sports, Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala is steadfast to end her streak of early exits as she competes in the W125 Mumbai tournament in India. Eala,ranked 134th in the world,advanced to the second round after defeating Japan’s Sara Saito with a commanding 6-1,6-0 victory on Monday.This marks the second time Eala has bested Saito in eight days, following their encounter at the Singapore Open qualifiers on January 25. Eala will next face either Nao Hibino or Mai Hontama, both from Japan, in the second round on Wednesday.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|———————|—————————————————————————–|
| National Debt | P16.05 trillion in 2024, up by P1.44 trillion from 2023 |
| Debt-to-GDP | 60.7 percent, higher than 2023’s 60.2 percent and the 60.6 percent target |
| BARMM Elections | Postponed from May 12 to October 13 |
| PhilHealth Chief| Dr. Edwin Mercado appointed as new CEO |
| Meralco Franchise| Senate Bill 2824 seeks 25-year renewal |
| Alex Eala | Advances to second round of W125 Mumbai tournament |
Stay updated on these developments and more by following our coverage. For in-depth analysis and breaking news, visit our Business and Sports sections.Eala’s Rollercoaster Start to the 2025 Tennis Season: A Deep Dive
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala has had a mixed start to her 2025 season, showcasing moments of brilliance alongside early exits that have left fans and analysts intrigued. After a promising semifinal finish at the W125 Canberra International,Eala’s momentum was halted by three consecutive early-round losses,raising questions about her form and strategy moving forward.
Eala’s journey began on a high note in Canberra, where she displayed her trademark grit and skill to reach the semifinals. However, her subsequent performances have been less consistent. In the first round of qualifiers for an unnamed tournament, she secured a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-7 (1), 7-5, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure. Yet, this triumph was followed by a string of disappointing results, leaving her supporters eager for a turnaround.
A Closer Look at Eala’s Performance
| Tournament | result |
|—————————|————————–|
| W125 Canberra International | Semifinal |
| Unnamed Tournament Qualifiers | First Round Win (6-1, 6-7 (1), 7-5) |
| Subsequent Tournaments | three Early Exits |
Eala’s recent struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining peak performance in the highly competitive world of professional tennis. Her semifinal run in Canberra was a testament to her potential,but the subsequent losses underscore the need for adjustments in her game and mental approach.
What’s Next for Eala?
As Eala prepares for upcoming tournaments, her focus will likely be on regaining consistency and building on the positives from her early-season performances. Fans can stay updated on her progress by following The Manila Times, which offers comprehensive coverage of sports and other news.For those who prefer digital access, the publication’s digital edition provides a convenient way to stay informed.
Engaging with the Community
The Manila Times also encourages readers to join its vibrant online communities.Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn for real-time updates and engaging content. Additionally, connect with fellow readers on viber, Telegram, and Mastodon to share insights and opinions.
Final Thoughts
Alex eala’s 2025 season has been a tale of highs and lows, reflecting the unpredictable nature of professional sports. While her early exits have been disappointing, her semifinal finish in Canberra serves as a reminder of her immense talent. As she continues to navigate the challenges of the tour, fans will undoubtedly rally behind her, hoping for a resurgence in the coming months.
For more in-depth analysis and updates, visit the Manila Times and explore their opinion and editorial section, featuring thought-provoking columns by Francisco Tatad, Marlen Ronquillo, and Ingming Aberia.Stay tuned for more news and insights as Eala’s season unfolds.
Alex Eala’s Rollercoaster Start to the 2025 Tennis Season: A deep Dive
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala has had a mixed start to her 2025 season, showcasing moments of brilliance alongside early exits that have left fans and analysts intrigued. after a promising semifinal finish at the W125 Canberra International, Eala’s momentum was halted by three consecutive early-round losses, raising questions about her form and strategy moving forward.
Eala’s journey began on a high note in Canberra, where she displayed her trademark grit and skill to reach the semifinals. However, her subsequent performances have been less consistent. In the first round of qualifiers for an unnamed tournament, she secured a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-7 (1), 7-5, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure.Yet, this triumph was followed by a string of disappointing results, leaving her supporters eager for a turnaround.
A Closer Look at Eala’s Performance
| Tournament | Result |
|---|---|
| W125 Canberra International | Semifinal |
| Unnamed Tournament Qualifiers | First Round Win (6-1, 6-7 (1), 7-5) |
| Subsequent Tournaments | Three Early Exits |
eala’s recent struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining peak performance in the highly competitive world of professional tennis. Her semifinal run in Canberra was a testament to her potential, but the subsequent losses underscore the need for adjustments in her game and mental approach.
What’s Next for eala?
As Eala prepares for upcoming tournaments, her focus will likely be on regaining consistency and building on the positives from her early-season performances. fans can stay updated on her progress by following The Manila times, which offers comprehensive coverage of sports and other news. for those who prefer digital access, the publication’s digital edition provides a convenient way to stay informed.
Engaging with the Community
The Manila Times also encourages readers to join its vibrant online communities.Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn for real-time updates and engaging content. Additionally, connect with fellow readers on Viber, Telegram, and Mastodon to share insights and opinions.
Final Thoughts
Alex Eala’s 2025 season has been a tale of highs and lows, reflecting the unpredictable nature of professional sports. While her early exits have been disappointing,her semifinal finish in Canberra serves as a reminder of her immense talent. As she continues to navigate the challenges of the tour, fans will undoubtedly rally behind her, hoping for a resurgence in the coming months.
For more in-depth analysis and updates, visit The Manila Times and explore their opinion and editorial section, featuring thought-provoking columns by Francisco Tatad, Marlen Ronquillo, and Ingming Aberia. Stay tuned for more news and insights as Eala’s season unfolds.
