Casino CEO Offers Venue for Torre vs. Duterte Charity Bout — Lacson

 

Manila – July 24, 2025
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson revealed that a resort casino hotel executive, known for philanthropic work, is willing to host the proposed charity boxing match between PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

The match stems from a challenge issued by Duterte in a vlog, where he called out Torre for a fistfight. Torre accepted, suggesting the bout be turned into a fundraiser for flood victims affected by the recent southwest monsoon.

“For the sake of the many poor flood victims, let’s do it!” Lacson posted on X (formerly Twitter).

🥊 Background

• The feud traces back to Torre’s role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Baste’s father, and controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a known Duterte ally.

• Torre proposed a 12-round match, possibly at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, with Manny Pacquiao as referee.

• Lacson, a former PNP chief himself, pledged to buy tickets equivalent to his one-month pension if proceeds go to charity.

The event, if it pushes through, could mark an unprecedented blend of political tension, entertainment, and public service.

Trump, Marcos Hold High-Stakes Trade Talks as Tariff Deadline Nears

 During their high-stakes bilateral meeting at the White House on July 22, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that trade negotiations with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had not yet reached a final agreement, citing Marcos as a “very tough negotiator.” Trump’s remark—“So far we're not yet there because he's negotiating too tough... But we'll probably agree to something”—underscored the tense but active nature of the talks.

At the heart of the negotiation is a proposed reciprocal trade deal that would reshape economic relations between the two countries. The U.S. is pushing for zero tariffs on American goods entering the Philippines, aiming to open the Southeast Asian market to U.S. exports without barriers. In contrast, the Philippines is being asked to accept a 19% tariff on its own exports to the U.S.—a rate just shy of the 20% penalty Trump threatened to impose if no deal is reached by August 1.

This imbalance has sparked debate in Manila, where critics argue the deal could disproportionately benefit the U.S. and strain Philippine industries. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has hinted that the Philippines may offer zero tariffs on select U.S. goods to soften the impact, but negotiations remain delicate.

Despite the friction, both leaders expressed optimism. Trump praised Marcos as “highly respected” and “a very good, and tough, negotiator,” while Marcos emphasized the importance of a mutually beneficial agreement that strengthens both economies and deepens strategic ties.

The urgency is compounded by broader geopolitical stakes. The U.S. sees the Philippines as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific, especially amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. A successful trade deal would not only boost commerce but also reinforce military cooperation under the Mutual Defense Treaty, which both sides reaffirmed during the visit.

In short, while the deal isn’t sealed, the tone is cautiously hopeful. The next few days will be critical as negotiators race against the looming tariff deadline.

Sara Duterte Gets Father’s Blessing for 2028 Election Bid

 The Hague, Netherlands – July 22, 2025

Vice President Sara Duterte revealed that her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, has given her the green light to run in the 2028 national elections, should she choose to pursue a candidacy.

Speaking during her visit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center, where her father is currently held for alleged crimes against humanity, Duterte shared that the two discussed her political future.

“He said, ‘If you want to run, then run.’ He’ll be the first to support me,” she said in a chance interview.

While she did not specify which position she might seek, Duterte has frequently teased supporters about a possible presidential run. She added that her father hopes to be released in time to actively campaign for her.

The Vice President also made headlines for her sharp remarks about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stating that “no one will vote for a Marcos for President” and criticizing his current alliances. Duterte admitted she regretted supporting Marcos in 2022, claiming he only chose her as a running mate out of fear of losing to Leni Robredo.

The revelation comes amid Duterte’s ongoing impeachment trial and her father’s controversial detention, both of which she believes are politically motivated to derail her 2028 prospects.

First Lady Liza Marcos Leads ‘Charitimba’ Relief Drive for Manila Fire Victims

Manila – July 22, 2025
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos personally led the distribution of hundreds of ‘Charitimba’ care packages to families affected by a recent fire in Barangay 420, located at the corner of Legarda and Lacson Streets in Manila.

The relief operation, organized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), aimed to provide immediate support to displaced residents. Each ‘Charitimba’ pack contained food, hygiene essentials, and basic supplies tailored for emergency recovery.

Joining the First Lady were PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III and PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles, who assisted in handing out the aid and speaking with affected families.

“This is about showing up for our people—not just with supplies, but with compassion,” Marcos said during the event.

The fire, which broke out earlier this week, left dozens of households homeless and prompted swift action from local and national agencies. PCSO’s initiative is part of its expanded community outreach program, which includes disaster response and medical assistance.

Photos released by PCSO showed the First Lady engaging with children, elderly residents, and volunteers, underscoring the administration’s commitment to grassroots recovery efforts.

Public Reactions: DILG Chief’s Post, Jake Ejercito’s Critique, and Jessy Mendiola’s Subtle Signal

 As Metro Manila reels from widespread flooding, three public figures sparked online buzz—each in their own way:

🍽️ DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla

His lighthearted post—“Mga Abangers, sarap ng bogchi ko. Sa kabusugan ay naka-idlip nang…”—was met with mixed reactions:

• Critics called it “insensitive” amid the crisis.

• Defenders said it was a harmless break from duty.

🎭 Jake Ejercito

Jake’s viral post about teachers wading through rivers in Sarangani struck a chord:

“Just calling this ‘heroism’ lets the gov’t off the hook. This is plain neglect and betrayal.”

His call for real solutions resonated with netizens demanding accountability and infrastructure reform.

🎬 Jessy Mendiola

While not directly commenting on the floods, Jessy’s recent interviews and social media posts reflected a more empathetic tone. Her comeback role in Sins of the Father—a drama about deception and justice—led some fans to draw parallels with real-life governance:

• “Agnes [her character] is mysterious, but she sees through the lies. Sana ganun din ang leaders natin.”

Jessy’s subtle presence added emotional depth to the public discourse, especially among younger audiences seeking sincerity and substance.

VP Sara Duterte Shrugs Off Blame, Suggests Floodwater Be Sent to Malacañang

 Manila – July 22, 2025

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed indifference over criticisms linking her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to the recent flooding in Metro Manila, saying she is “unsurprised” by the political scapegoating.

In a statement that quickly drew public attention, Duterte sarcastically suggested that the floodwater be collected and delivered to Malacañang, implying that critics should “drink it” to fully absorb the consequences of their accusations.

“Ipunin natin lahat, i-deliver natin sa Malacañang para meron silang mainom doon,” she said during a media interview, responding to questions about accountability for the capital’s flood crisis.

The remark came amid mounting frustration over the lack of a comprehensive flood control master plan. Duterte defended her father's administration, citing the Master Plan and Feasibility Study for Flood Control initiated in 2016 and published in 2023.

However, lawmakers and observers were quick to point out that the elder Duterte had six years in office to address the issue, yet Metro Manila continues to suffer from severe flooding. Critics also questioned the timing of VP Duterte’s comments, noting her absence during Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon’s onslaught, while she was reportedly on vacation in Germany.

The controversy adds to growing tensions between Duterte and the current administration, following her resignation from Cabinet posts and increasingly vocal criticisms of President Marcos Jr.’s disaster response.

Paolo Duterte Shows Support for Son Rigo During Davao Council Session

 Davao City – July 22, 2025

Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte made a personal visit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday afternoon to witness his son, Councilor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, preside over the fourth regular session of the Davao City Council as acting Vice Mayor.

The visit marked a symbolic moment for the Duterte family, as Rigo continues to step into a leadership role following his landslide win in the 2025 local elections. His designation as acting Vice Mayor comes amid the temporary reassignment of Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as acting Mayor, while Mayor Rodrigo Duterte remains detained in The Hague.

Rep. Duterte expressed pride and encouragement for his son’s performance, emphasizing the importance of public service and continuity of leadership in the city.

“Tarungon lang niya kay iyaha manang kaugmaon ang atoang gi-istoryahan,” he said in a previous interview, urging Rigo to earn the trust of Dabawenyos through dedication and integrity.

During the session, Rigo led the council in discussing committee assignments and legislative priorities, including health, education, and housing—key platforms he promised during his campaign. Despite early nerves, he received applause from fellow councilors and attendees, signaling growing confidence in his role.

The Duterte family continues to hold significant influence in Davao City politics, with multiple members serving in elected positions. Rigo’s rise as acting Vice Mayor adds another chapter to the family's evolving political legacy.