Senate Power Struggle: Malacañang told senators to “get their act together” as the chamber’s leadership dispute drags on, with acting Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian recognized for now and a possible special session of the Commission on Appointments floated to clear stalled AFP and foreign service posts. Flood Control Fallout: A Blue Ribbon hearing on the flood control scandal continued despite the standoff, as tensions spilled into a physical shove inside the Senate involving Sen. Robinhood Padilla and Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla, while the new majority bloc called the Cayetano-led hearing “bogus” and a grab for power. Ex-Marines Cash Allegations: Palace challenged the “former Marines” claims that suitcases of money were delivered to Marcos’s residence, demanding proof, as the same witnesses repeated accusations that lawmakers like Tito Sotto and Erwin Tulfo received money from Zaldy Co. Media Under Fire: Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s “bayaran” remarks drew pushback from Senate media and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, which urged him to back claims with evidence or retract. Local Justice: A Quezon City prosecutor ordered cyberlibel charges against Catanduanes Gov. Patrick Azanza over a Facebook post linking a petroleum firm to high electricity costs. Church Milestone: The Vatican elevated the Saint Padre Pio shrine in Batangas to international shrine status, with a formal declaration set for Sept. 23. Weather Watch: Pagasa warned of dangerous heat index levels in multiple areas as El Niño-linked hot, dry conditions threaten crops across Asia. UN Seat: The Philippines lost its bid for a UN Security Council non-permanent seat to Kyrgyzstan after multiple rounds of voting.