Pera o kahon? Cartoon by Cartoonist ZACH

The Office of the Ombudsman has preventively suspended ICT Undersecretary David L. Almirol Jr. for six months without pay over an alleged conflict of interest involving ₱1.55 billion in government contracts and a failure to divest his business interests. The Ombudsman clarified that the suspension is a protective measure during the investigation and not a finding of guilt. Previously, Assortedge published an article explaining Almirol's move from tech entrepreneur to government official which raised questions on where private business interests and public responsibility draw the line. READ: tinyurl.com/43fc7jmd

On October 19, Zofia S. Canlas was sworn in as the new Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PUCP) commissioner, responsible for protecting rights and promoting the welfare of urban poor communities. However, her appointment has drawn scrutiny over her alleged family ties and an affluent lifestyle. READ: tinyurl.com/2ap69w8r

Christmas tree ng mga news writer Cartoon by Cartoonist ZACH

At a press conference held on October 12, Vice President Sara Duterte criticized that the Philippines is becoming the “troublemaker of Southeast Asia” by deliberately escalating tensions in foreign trade.  But the real troublemaker is the one who continues to side with the bully. READ: tinyurl.com/2nd5p2vz

The housing gap in the Philippines has been a persistent issue up until the present. Now, Senate Bill No. 2507, or the proposed Affordable and Decent Rental Housing Incentives Act, offers to offer more affordable rental units through tax incentives and financial support. But with the persistent housing shortage in the Philippines, will this finally fix the system? READ: tinyurl.com/yj3dyatf

Filipino-British model Christina Nadin marks her Victoria's Secret Fashion Show debut during the PINK Halftime Show last October 19, 2026. Nadin now becomes the second Filipina to ever walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, following Kelsey Merritt.

Na-back to you Cartoon by Cartoonist ZACH

We do not notice ourselves growing up through grand events. We notice it in the small escalations of everyday life. we feel it when the things that used to be simple suddenly demand more from us than we prepared to give. But maybe the real tax of growing up is realizing that the destination remains unchanged, but the cost to reach it keeps rising. — This piece is adapted from "Jeepney fare adjustments and other unspoken griefs. Notes on adulting, counting silver coins, and the quiet tax of moving forward," originally published by Angelo Jace on Substack, July 27, 2026, substack.com/@angelojace/p-2… . Posted with the author's permission.

From free rides and school supplies to livelihood training and medical assistance, government programs may come at little or no direct cost to qualified beneficiaries. But providing a necessary service does not excuse the government from explaining how public money is spent. READ: tinyurl.com/rnake8pm

Angat Dam has reached its highest level since 2015, but Project NOAH warns that a full reservoir doesn't guarantee water security as El Niño may last into 2027. With supply depending on the whole water system, conservation and sound infrastructure management are key to getting through the dry season. READ: tinyurl.com/mr2tekz3

“Stop the Wedding” by Ashe has become a trending sound, with people sharing their heartbreak about the relationships that came close to marriage. But "stopping the wedding" doesn't just talk about marriage. Sometimes it's all about the friendships, the dreams, and the passion that we had to let go, no matter how painful it is. READ: tinyurl.com/4kxnsj37

Kaninong entry to??? Cartoon by Cartoonist ZACH

Progress should not be measured by how many projects are announced, but by how many are completed and actually benefit the public. After all, infrastructure means little if it remains inaccessible to the very people it was built to serve. READ: tinyurl.com/yc46a4pk

A manager's check can take millions out of a bank account without the money ever being spent. During the impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte, the prosecution presented bank records of a ₱41.7M manager's check to show how funds may have dropped out of year-end balances and stayed out of the SALNs. This evidence now supports the remaining unexplained wealth charge against the Vice President. READ: tinyurl.com/2zrhjzx2

AI-generated dramas have found an audience by turning familiar soap opera plots into short, dramatic videos that are easy to consume on social media platforms. These dramas may be cheap to produce and easy to binge, but innovation should not come at the expense of human creativity and livelihoods. READ: tinyurl.com/rjskajwu

Comedy should be more than laughter for laughter’s sake.  The backlash against Machong Chismisan reminds us that disability is not a punchline, and comedy comes with responsibility. READ: tinyurl.com/3veyswpd

The Metrobank Foundation named 10 teachers, soldiers, and police officers as its 2026 Outstanding Filipinos.  Beyond the awards, questions remain about how the country can address the working conditions and resource gaps affecting public servants. READ: tinyurl.com/4ayjzaxa

Running isn't just about the miles or the health benefits. It's also about the women who run beside you. From finding safety and confidence in numbers to building friendships that last beyond the finish line, running communities make staying active feel more welcoming and less overwhelming. READ: tinyurl.com/2zvzammn

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. appoints finance and investment veteran Victor Alfonso Limlingan as the new president and chief executive officer of the Social Security System (SSS). He now replaces Robert Joseph Montes de Claro, who was recently appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).