AGP Executive Report

Mindanao Earthquake Response: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited General Santos City and said families of quake deaths will get ₱50,000 each, with 487 injured and 17 missing as the toll reached 45; he also ordered funding for damaged city hall and urged teachers to help traumatized students. Rescue & Logistics: The Philippine Army conducted rapid damage assessments in Sarangani and Davao Occidental, while General Santos airport stayed closed to commercial flights, prompting flight cancellations; Comelec is also considering makeshift polling precincts if quake-hit schools are unsafe. West Philippine Sea Tensions: The Philippines protested China over a floating platform at Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, saying it must be removed and warning against turning the shoal into a man-made island; authorities also linked the platform to possible unauthorized marine research. Local Governance & Safety: The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging a Senate session quorum, and the Senate kept heightened security amid alleged threats. Sports & Society: DOJ ordered an NBI probe into the drowning deaths of Ateneo players; separate lawmakers pushed for a House inquiry into another athlete death, while Pride art in Bohol and the ICTSI trackfest opener drew attention.

Earthquake Response: The death toll from Monday’s 7.8 quake in Mindanao rose to at least 37, with hundreds injured and thousands displaced as rescue and damage assessments continued amid aftershocks and road/bridge damage. Education: DepEd ordered emergency support for 267 heavily affected schools, with learning packets and clean-up, while classes resumed in some areas. Public Safety & Transport: MMDA reminded motorists that school zones are “no parking zones,” stepping up daily clearing to keep mobility for students. Senate Leadership Row: Malacañang dismissed fears of a constitutional crisis, saying it recognizes Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian; meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano questioned the NBI’s handling of a reported security threat. Maritime & Trade: France and the Philippines backed a new high seas marine biodiversity treaty to strengthen rules around the West Philippine Sea; Marina opened nominations for the 2026 Seafarer awards. Economy & Jobs: PSA reported unemployment eased to 4.7% in April, but underemployment climbed. Digital Tax: The Philippines will start automatic crypto tax data exchanges in 2028 under the OECD framework. Culture & Sports: Ateneo said an autopsy will be conducted for drowning victim Rene Baterbonia and support continues for families; ICTSI Philippine trackfest spotlights homegrown athletes in Tarlac.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered hospital inspections and stable power supply after the 7.8 quake, as the death toll rose to 37 with 479 injured and four missing; search-and-rescue continues and General Santos Airport is set to reopen for commercial flights within a week after damage assessments. Infrastructure & Transport Checks: DPWH is assessing roads, bridges, hospitals and schools, while LTFRB ordered inspections of bus terminals and other transport hubs in quake-hit areas. Navy & Maritime Security: Marcos also stressed that a stronger Philippine Navy is key to defending the West Philippine Sea, highlighting disaster response and new vessel commissioning. Senate Gridlock & Security: Malacañang said any special session depends on the Senate first resolving its internal dispute; meanwhile, DILG is beefing up security after NBI warnings of a “very serious” threat. Sports Tragedy: Ateneo men’s basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili died in a drowning incident; Aurora police said there’s no foul play, while a House probe is being pushed. Church Aid: The CBCP urged a second collection on June 14 and special prayers for Mindanao quake victims. Local Life & Culture: BTS ticket sales begin amid anti-scalping reminders, and a simpler, “in keeping with the times” SONA setup was announced.

Mindanao Earthquake: A powerful 7.8-magnitude quake struck offshore near Sarangani on June 8, killing at least 35 people and injuring more than 200 as buildings collapsed and a landslide hit Glan; tsunami warnings were issued across parts of the region before being lifted, while aftershocks continued and authorities urged residents to move to higher ground. Church & Diplomacy: Catholic leaders and other faith groups called for prayers and support for victims, while foreign embassies in Manila—including Japan, France, and China—sent condolences and pledged help. Local Impact: In Digos City, a two-storey school building collapsed on the first day of classes, but officials said it had been abandoned and deemed unsafe since 2019. Relief Efforts: The PCSO and its Authorized Agent Corporations moved quickly to extend assistance, coordinating with local partners as rescue operations continued. Maritime & Work: Separate coverage highlighted seafarer welfare concerns, with a new study warning many plan to quit within five years. Business & Jobs: DOLE will hold nationwide job fairs starting June 10, offering over 95,000 vacancies. Sports & Culture: Alexandra Eala won the Birmingham Open title, and Miss Universe Philippines is again searching for local directors through its Local and Global Directorship program.

Mindanao Earthquake Response: A magnitude 7.8 quake off Sarangani killed at least 19 people, with 134 injured and 12 missing in General Santos City, as authorities warned of aftershocks and tsunami risk. Tsunami Alerts Across Borders: Phivolcs and Japan issued tsunami advisories, with Japan’s Pacific coast monitoring for waves up to 1 meter; residents were urged to stay away from shorelines. Class Suspensions: DepEd said 6,224 schools and over 3.2 million learners were affected, suspending classes in affected areas while engineers assess damage. Disaster Logistics: President Marcos ordered agencies to respond immediately, with DSWD pre-positioning relief goods and DOH activating hospital crisis protocols; NGCP reported some transmission lines damaged but partial restoration in several areas. Public Safety & Misinformation: The PNP is tracing false social media posts claiming class opening was postponed, warning of legal action for those spreading misinformation. Politics Watch: Separate from the quake, the Senate flood control probe resumed amid the chamber’s leadership dispute, while impeachment proceedings against VP Sara Duterte moved forward as the court received the House prosecution’s manifestation.

PBA Finals: Barangay Ginebra took a 2-1 lead over TNT after a 116-102 Game 3 win at Mall of Asia Arena, with Stephen Holt silencing online noise by scoring 23 points and Scottie Thompson posting a triple-double (17-11-11). Sports—Volleyball: Alas Pilipinas fell to Australia in the AVC Women’s Cup, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15, despite Niña Ytang’s 13-point output, while Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons grabbed silver in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open. Education: Millions of students return to school today as DepEd rolls out reforms, while the PNP deployed 55,000+ personnel and set up thousands of police assistance desks under Oplan Balik-Eskwela. Senate leadership row: House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega urged senators to settle their dispute so Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial won’t be delayed, as Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he’s open to dialogue. Economy & policy: PEZA approved P124.84B in investments from Jan-May (+88%), and BSP reported April bank lending growth at 11.4%—fastest in nine months—while inflation eased to 6.8% in May.

Philippines-US/Global Aviation: Philippine Airlines is set to join the oneworld Alliance as its 16th member, announced at IATA’s AGM in Rio—promising wider global connectivity and lounge access for frequent flyers. Senate Power Struggle: Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian says he’s open to dialogue with Sen. Alan Cayetano’s camp, while Sen. Erwin Tulfo apologizes for threatening to have Cayetano bloc members arrested and physically removed. Impeachment Watch: A House prosecutor says the Senate leadership fight is “extraneous” to the evidence in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, set to start July 6. Labor & School Prep: DOLE issued June 12 Independence Day pay rules; PNP says it’s ready for school security under Oplan Balik-Eskwela. Foreign Students: First Lady Liza Marcos pushes easier visa processing for Indian medical students after meeting officials and the Indian ambassador. West Philippine Sea/Regional Tensions: Taiwan reports deploying patrol vessels after China’s maritime “law enforcement operation” near Taiwan amid Japan-Philippines boundary talks. Sports: Alex Eala reaches the Birmingham Open final; John Riel Casimero calls out Naoya Inoue after a TKO win over Luis Nery. Local Safety: Atimonan, Quezon warns residents after a dangerous 44°C heat index despite the rainy season.

Philippine Airlines Joins oneworld: PAL is set to become oneworld’s 16th member, adding 31 destinations and boosting Asia-Pacific connectivity after its post-COVID turnaround. Senate Leadership Row: Loren Legarda questioned the legality of recent Senate leadership changes, saying key officers were appointed with only 12 senators present—one vote short of the required majority. DepEd Class-Suspension Rumor Denied: The Department of Education called a social media claim that classes on June 8 are cancelled “fake news,” urging the public to rely on official advisories. Education Support for Learners: E-Net Philippines urged stronger help for out-of-school youth and last-mile learners as SY 2026-2027 begins June 8, warning reforms may not reach those left behind. Philippine Eagle “Girlie” Recognition: Quezon City gave the iconic Philippine eagle symbolic Senior Citizen and PWD IDs during Philippine Eagle Week, highlighting conservation. Health Access: PhilHealth said 2,026 GAMOT facilities nationwide are ready to provide 75 essential free medicines worth up to P20,000 per member per year. Energy Security Move: The DOE is exploring funding options for a strategic oil reserve without tapping the national budget. Sports—Tennis: Alex Eala reached the Birmingham Open final after a rain-delayed, three-set win over Rebeka Masarova. Sports—Boxing: John Riel Casimero stopped Luis Nery in the fourth round in Japan. Crime Watch: MPD is probing a viral road rage incident in Sampaloc involving alleged helmet attacks and punching. Trade & Agriculture: The first commercial shipment of fresh Philippine carabao mangoes arrived in Canada, opening a new export pathway. OFW Update: Fifteen Filipinos were repatriated from Israel following the reopening of Ben Gurion Airport.

DepEd Clarifies Classes Not Suspended: The Department of Education denied a viral claim that public school classes on June 8 are cancelled, saying it’s fake news and urging students and parents to rely on official DepEd updates. Impeachment Trial Watch: Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said the House prosecution’s confidence in Vice President Sara Duterte’s conviction rests on evidence, not Senate leadership changes, and he challenged 18 alleged “ex-Marines” to show up for a Monday blue ribbon hearing. Palace on June 12 Threat Claims: Malacañang urged law enforcement to act on reports alleging a June 12 attack plan by pro-Duterte supporters, saying agencies should respond if threats are credible. Local Health Access: Cebu City is set to discuss an ordinance that would require pharmacies to offer real-time inventory terminals so residents can check medicine availability across branches. Sports—Boxing & PVL: Filipino Kenneth Llover absorbed his first pro loss in Japan, while PVL rookies Lams Lamina and Bella Belen gear up for their first face-off after the draft. Weather Alert: PAGASA reported Tropical Depression Ester, with Signal No. 1 raised over Batanes and possible rains across parts of Luzon, warning of flooding and landslide risks.

Senate Turmoil: Sen. Panfilo Lacson warned that a Cayetano-bloc blue ribbon hearing over flood control may be “bogus” and could expose participants to cyber libel and other charges since it wasn’t entered in official Senate records. NBI Probe: NBI Director Melvin Matibag said it has identified six more alleged ex-Marines supposedly being bribed to testify, bringing the total to 24 out of 103 former security aides linked to Elizaldy Co. Flood Control Claims: House leaders said the Senate is being used as “political theater” amid allegations that House members received money from Co, which they deny. Taal Update: Phivolcs reported another minor phreatomagmatic eruption at Taal at 4:24 p.m., lasting four minutes, while keeping Alert Level 1. Weather & Heat Index: Pagasa will temporarily suspend daily heat index forecasts starting June 5 as the rainy season begins in western Luzon and Visayas. Inflation Watch: May inflation eased to 6.8% as fuel rollbacks slowed transport and food costs, though core inflation rose to 4.1%. Tech for Shoppers: Google launched an AI “Try On” tool in Search, Shopping, and Images to let users virtually see how clothes and accessories fit. Sports—PBA Finals: TNT beat Ginebra 101-94 in Game 2, with Calvin Oftana scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds to level the series 1-1. Sports—Tennis: Alex Eala advanced to the Birmingham Open semifinals after beating Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew. Sports—Volleyball: UP standout Irah Jaboneta was picked by Nxled in the PVL Rookie Draft.

Senate Leadership Fight: A Supreme Court petition challenges the legality of the June 3 Senate session that declared quorum with only 12 senators, citing the Avelino v. Cuenco ruling and questioning the recognition of the new majority and committee chair claims. Impeachment Prep: Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp filed a roughly 50-page response saying the impeachment case is constitutionally infirm and procedurally defective, while the House prosecution said it won’t file a reply and will instead submit a manifestation. Flood Control Fallout: Senators Erwin Tulfo and Vicente Sotto said they’ll pursue legal action over “ex-Marines” kickback claims tied to flood control projects, as Malacañang dismissed the allegations as false and baseless. Health Scam Alert: The DOH warned the public about fake cancer-treatment endorsements using a fake “MediHope” quote card, saying the agency is not affiliated with commercial products. Public Safety: The PNP said it has received no validated intelligence on threats to the June 12 Independence Day celebrations, stressing readiness and full deployment. Heat Advisory: PAGASA warned Infanta, Quezon could still hit dangerous heat index levels around 45°C despite rains from Tropical Depression “Ester.”

Senate Impeachment Fallout: Former Senate president Franklin Drilon said the Senate leadership shake-up is tied to the upcoming impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte and the 2028 elections, as the Senate row continues to disrupt hearings and public business. Legal Showdown Over Quorum: The Integrated Bar of the Philippines backed the June 3 Senate session as “lawful and valid,” citing the 1949 Avelino v. Cuenco ruling, while Drilon said Supreme Court review is the likely way to settle the dispute. Blue Ribbon Tensions: House prosecutors said they will file a manifestation (not a reply) after Duterte’s answer, and lawmakers flagged inconsistencies in testimony from former Marine officers. Education Readiness: DepEd launched Project Handa to use school-level data to fix facilities and supplies ahead of the June 8 opening. Environment & Cleanups: DENR partnered with The Ocean Cleanup to intercept floating plastic waste in the Pasig River. Sports & Culture: Alex Eala advanced to the Birmingham Open quarterfinals; Pride PH and QC will expand the UP Diliman Pride festival. Business & Aviation: AirAsia denied grounding rumors after settling CAAP fees, while NAIA reported record passenger traffic.

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.

Senate Power Struggle: The Senate leadership shake-up deepened as Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano sent a memo declaring sine die adjournment, which Majority Leader Migz Zubiri called “illegal and irregular,” while acting Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian ordered no official business on June 4 and suspended the blue ribbon flood control hearing. House Passes Key Measures: The House approved on third reading the KALINGA Act (HB 9305) to institutionalize a national emergency response during oil-driven shocks, and also passed an anti-disinformation bill (HB 9465) with prison terms and fines for willful harmful falsehoods, including AI-generated content. Local Politics & Governance: Palace spokesperson Claire Castro said the Senate changes followed law and rules, backing Gatchalian’s role as acting president amid the chamber’s gridlock. Sports Spotlight: Barangay Ginebra took Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals over TNT, 102-100, with Justin Brownlee’s late winner; RJ Abarrientos and Rey Nambatac starred for both teams. Nutrition Push: The House also moved to expand the national feeding program into a permanent nutrition program via HB 9466.

Senate Gridlock: President Marcos urged senators to “get back to work” as the chamber’s impasse threatens key legislative functions, with lawmakers trading barbs over the boycott and quorum. Flood Control Fallout: A Senate blue ribbon inquiry on the flood control scandal is set to resume, while a coalition filed an Ombudsman complaint alleging obstruction tied to Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s Senate “escape,” and the ICC was informed. House Ethics: Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga was expelled after ethics findings cited disruptive conduct and inflammatory posts, drawing fresh reactions from VP Sara Duterte. Justice & Rights: UP scientists pushed for wider rollout of the locally developed Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit) to strengthen evidence handling from hospitals to court. Public Safety: Pagasa warned of dangerous heat index levels in parts of Luzon, urging hydration and sun protection. Sports & Culture: Gilas Women opened the FIBA 3x3 World Cup with two straight losses; Cebu Greats seek a bounce-back in MPBL action. Business & Tech: Discovery Capital and UnionBank signed a credit facility to expand SME financing, while Damac Digital said its IT capacity landbank hit 6,000MW.

Senate Standoff: Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s no-show again sparked fresh backlash, with Sen. Raffy Tulfo daring him to attend and Sen. Erwin Tulfo telling Cayetano to “get checked” amid the majority-minority deadlock. House Ethics & Governance: Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga was expelled from the House for disruptive behavior, while lawmakers advanced a Right to Information bill to bicam talks and pushed emergency medical services and a UP climate resilience institute. Public Safety & Health: The death toll from a building collapse in Angeles City climbed to 21 as rescue teams continue; the FDA said a new dengue vaccine application remains under review. Anti-Drug & Social Aid: Police seized P3.3M worth of shabu in Iloilo and arrested three, while DOLE-NIR began SAP payouts to nearly 10,000 sugar workers hit by Typhoon Tino. Sports & Culture: Alex Eala advanced in Birmingham; PVL draft set to name top rookies; and the PBA Finals return to the Ginebra-TNT rivalry. Economy & Tech: The DTI said a Digital Economy Framework Agreement could boost the sector, while the World Bank is set to approve a $1.02B energy loan plus a $20M grant. PH-World Affairs: China urged Manila to rein in officials’ remarks as defense tensions simmer.