𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗡: "Days Until Christmas" by Holly Gutib

Published by: Keshia Gwyneth Esposa

Date Published: December 13, 2025

Time Published: 4:19 PM

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔: "Napoles muling nahatulan ng reclusion perpetua" ni Renz Andrie B. Bolor

 

Inilathala ni: Zenie Lynn Caguing 

Petsang Inilathala: December 12, 2025 

Oras na Inilathala: 3:17 pm

Muling hinatulan ng Sandiganbayan Special Third Division si Janet Lim-Napoles ng kabuuang 12 kaso ng korapsyon, anim na malversation at anim na graft, dahil sa ilegal na paggamit ng P92 milyong Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) ng yumaong Rep. Samuel Dangwa mula 2007 hanggang 2010.

Sa 165-pahinang desisyon ng Sandiganbayan noong Nobyembre 21, na inilabas lamang nitong Disyembre 5, nahatulan si Napoles at mga kasangkot ng dalawang karagdagang reclusion perpetua, o 20 hanggang 40 taong pagkakakulong, sa dalawang kaso ng malversation na nagkakahalaga ng ₱10 milyon at ₱9 milyon.

Ayon sa anti-graft court, kinontrol ni Napoles ang ilang non-government organizations at inangkin ang milyong-milyong pisong PDAF na nakalaan sana para sa mga proyektong pangkabuhayan at pangkaunlaran sa Benguet at iba pang lugar.

"It is clear that the funds were misappropriated through these fictitious projects,” ayon sa Special Third Division, na binigyang-diin na walang tunay na serbisyong ibinigay sa mga benepisyaryo.

Dagdag ng korte, ang pondo ay “funneled to non-functional organizations with no capacity to implement the projects.”

Kaugnay ni Napoles sa isang kasong malversation sina dating Technology Resource Center (TRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan at Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic Development (CARED) Foundation head Mylene Encarnacion.

Sila ay inatasang ibalik ang ₱10 milyon, kalakip ang anim na porsyentong taunang interes.

Sa isa pang kasong napatunayan, kasama ni Napoles ang dating presidente ng National Livelihood Development Corp. na si Gondelina Amata.

Pinagmumulta ng ₱9 milyon sina Napoles at Amata at idineklarang jointly at severally liable para sa halagang dapat ibalik, kasama ang legal na interes.

Sa iba pang mga kasong malversation, hinatulan si Napoles ng pagkakakulong na aabot hanggang 17 taon, habang ang bawat graft case ay may katumbas na 6–10 taong pagkakakulong.

Si Napoles, na dati nang nahatulan sa plunder case kaugnay ng PDAF ni dating Sen. Bong Revilla, ay nananatili sa Correctional Institution for Women sa Mandaluyong habang nagpapatuloy ang kanyang mga kaso.

SANGGUNIAN:

[1] Ferreras, V. A. (2025, December 7). Napoles gets reclusion perpetua anew after Sandiganbayan convicts her for malversation. GMA Integrated News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/968769/napoles-gets-reclusion-perpetua-anew-after-sandiganbayan-convicts-her-for-malversation/story/

[2] Laqui, I. (2025, December 8). Napoles convicted of malversation, graft over ex-Benguet rep's PDAF. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/12/08/2492805/napoles-convicted-malversation-graft-over-ex-benguet-reps-pdaf

[3] Salonga, K. (2025, December 8). Napoles found guilty of graft, malversation raps; sentenced to two more reclusion perpetua. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/8/napoles-found-guilty-of-graft-malversation-raps-sentenced-to-two-more-reclusion-perpetua-2218

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦-𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘: “Landing the Knockout: How Eman Bacosa Pacquiao Built his Boxing Career, One Punch at a Time” by Arianne Gail E. Cabiles

 Layout by: Mark Louie Pocot

Published by: Jielian Lobete 

Date published: December 8, 2025

Time published: 3:07 PM

When it rained talent and charm, there’s no doubt that Eman Bacosa Pacquiao was outside, heavily drenched by the downpour. With fame-magnetizing visuals and a remarkable boxing track record, the 21-year-old athlete has recently been appearing on feeds and TV screens, earning public recognition in a flash.

As the son of the boxing legend himself, Manny Pacquiao, many eyes are intently watching Eman, particularly in his chosen sport. While he follows in his father’s footsteps, the crowd can’t help but wonder: will he be the next Pacman?

Still, Eman’s boxing background is just a snippet of the reason behind his moment in the limelight. Because, as he threw jabs and dodged hits, something else captured netizens’ interest—a face card similar to that of Piolo Pascual.

Now, with praises and comments flocking in left and right, Eman’s story trails not too far behind, and it does not miss the public’s watch. Among the other things he’s known for, Eman’s journey before the sounding name resurfaces, and people are curious what life was like for the rising star before being tagged as the Piolo Pascual lookalike.

STUDENT IN THE MORNING, ATHLETE AT NIGHT

Seeing how far Eman has come in boxing, imagining him living a double life could be quite out of the picture. Yet, that was exactly the case for his younger self, holding pens and papers during the day while he fastened his gloves as soon as it was dark. It wasn’t entirely because Eman was extremely passionate about the sport—to be fair, he was—but rather because his mother, Joanna Rose Bacosa, was still standing at a crossroads with Eman wanting to pursue boxing.

In a podcast hosted by Jessica Soho, the promising fighter recalled his first encounters participating in a boxing match. His hometown, Tagum, was celebrating Fiesta, and Eman decided to join a small tournament for experience. After the game, he received 200 pesos, although he lost because he was out of breath.

From then on, Eman’s love for boxing grew even stronger. But as it did, his mom’s disapproval also became firmer. This didn’t stop him, though, as he sneaked out with his dad to train while he was staying in Japan without his mom knowing. Eman studied when the light shone and honed his boxing skills when the moon claimed its spot in the sky.

As time passed, Eman and his dad were eventually caught in the act, yet not even his mother’s hesitation and worries could dissipate his burning passion for boxing. The ring called his name, and as his mother finally showed support, Eman answered.

FOUR CORNERS OF THE RING

At the age of 19, Eman took a significant leap in his boxing career, deciding to turn pro. At this stage, every move he made mattered because it would determine how his name would sound in the bigger league.

While his first match in 2023 against Jommel Cudiamat ended in a split draw, Eman made sure to put the fruit of his hard work on display. Because, in the following year, his athletic path reached new heights, as the boxer claimed successive victories.

With his talent and dedication to the sport, Eman’s most recent record holds seven wins, one draw, and zero defeats. Now, as he proves his boxing skills and is progressively building his career, he can be seen growing even closer to the ring. Inside its perimeters, Eman is not just living his passion but also marking his very own identity.

Yet, behind every powerful swing, there lies a deeper force and a soul-stirring meaning.

WEIGHT OF EVERY PUNCH

Even the strongest people carry unseen battles, and Eman is no stranger to this.

In his early years, the now-professional boxer endured hardships. From having an abusive former stepfather to financial struggles, Eman experienced life’s bitterness and harsh realities even before he was a teen.

Carrying the Pacquiao surname was of no use in mitigating these challenges either, as it instead became one of the reasons for Eman’s rather melancholic childhood memories. Being Manny Pacquiao’s illegitimate son, he was bullied in school and dared to fight just because the eight-division world champion of boxing was his father. Eman’s mother didn’t have it easy either, as she couldn’t escape others’ judgmental views.

However, as fate turned in his favor, the athlete conquered and overcame these obstacles alongside his loved ones. While it was painful for Eman to look back on, he didn’t let his past take control or override his future. But rather, he used it as motivation to become a better, stronger boxer.

Guided by faith and a strong will, Eman’s life before fame now drives him to push even further and bag greater achievements. Each jab thrown and fist blocked is a step forward from the old times and a sign of a brighter tomorrow.

Beneath his smile and thoughtful demeanor, Eman holds grim memories. Yet, he chose not to dwell on them. He chose to focus on how to rise from the shadows and get back up again.

For a person like Eman, even the roughest roads aren’t enough to stop him from living the way he wants to. He keeps moving forward, every challenge only strengthening his resolve. Because, although he had an imperfect past, it shaped the person he is today.

REFERENCES:

[1] GMA Public Affairs. (2025, November 10). Ang mapapait na karanasan ni Eman Pacquiao bago pasukin ang boxing | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Podcast. YouTube. https://youtu.be/FFliJVuKe5Q?si=By4HWcIXbB2sdPuj

[2] Asian Journal. (2025, November 17). His father’s son: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is finding his own way in the ring and in the legacy he now carries. https://asianjournal.com/entertainment/sports/his-fathers-son-eman-bacosa-pacquiao-is-finding-his-own-way-in-the-ring-and-in-the-legacy-he-now-carries/

[3] Giongco, M. (2025). Eman Bacosa making his own name and embracing Pacquiao legacy. Philippine Daily Inquirer. https://sports.inquirer.net/646945/eman-bacosa-making-his-own-name-and-embracing-pacquiao-legacy

[4] Bravo, F. K. S. (2023, October 7). Eman Bacosa starts professional boxing career. PEP.ph. https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/lifestyle/176365/eman-bacosa-starts-professional-boxing-career-a5128-20231007

[5] Wei, B. (2025, November 11). Eman Bacosa – Carrying Pacquiao’s legacy. The Mending Playbook. https://www.themendingplaybook.org/athletes/b2ggds6x9981b0w7gpu11cj1uinobx

𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗔𝗡: "Nagsimulang umanod patungo sa Multi-purpose Berth sa Batangas Port ang Super Shuttle Ferry 18 matapos mapinsala ng Bagyong Kristine noong 2024." ni Bernal Abaño Ramirez

Larawan ni: Bernal Abaño Ramirez

Inilathala ni: Zenie Lynn Caguing 

Petsang Inilathala: November 27, 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 3:11 pm

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Zaldy Co alleges Marcos dictated controversial ₱100B budget insertion" by Jhaebilyn B. Pallorina

 

Published by: Lady Yoohee P. Catapang

Date Published: November 27,2025

Time Published: 6:19 AM

Former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co revealed that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered the alleged ₱100 billion budget insertion for the DPWH projects during bicameral deliberations, in a video statement posted on Co's Facebook page on November 14, 2025.

In his videos, Zaldy Co said that while he was abroad, Speaker Romualdez called him and told him to stay out of the country, assuring him he would be “well taken care of” as instructed by Marcos and Co said he initially complied but later accused Marcos of using him as a “poster boy” for his anti-corruption campaign.

Co said the issue began when Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman told him the President had ordered a ₱100 billion insertion into the DPWH budget—he claimed Romualdez confirmed it, saying: “What the President wants, he gets.”

Co also described a meeting at Malacañang where Pangandaman handed him a list of projects worth ₱100 billion, saying it came directly from the President.

He stated that he suggested splitting the funds, allocating ₱50 billion for DPWH projects and placing the rest in unprogrammed funds, but the plan was rejected by Marcos, and Co insisted he did not personally benefit and the 25% of the funds went to the President, which is ₱25 Billion.

Co claimed he and his staff personally delivered the budget, which was placed in suitcases—he provided pictures as evidence along with a full list of the projects, posting them on his Facebook account. 

Co challenged Ombudsman Remulla to prove his words and investigate, particularly Speaker Romualdez, and said he believes the Senate will eventually uncover the truth.

Malacañang dismissed Co’s claims, calling them “pure hearsay” and baseless, and said all budget adjustments follow proper procedures and the Palace also urged Co to return to the Philippines, saying he should face any allegations directly.

Meanwhile, in the third part of his video statement released on November 16, Co said that the administration is using all of the country’s resources to keep him silent and that he is certain more death threats will come his way.

Co claimed that since March 2025, Speaker Romualdez had been threatening him, allegedly saying he would shoot him if Co revealed the truth, he also said that when he was out of the country, he was warned that Romualdez would hire a police officer to kill him inside jail if he returned home.

Co asserted that he will reveal more information — including details involving Henry Alcantara of the DPWH, whom he accused of lying to the ICI about the ₱25-billion fund, saying it was actually ₱56 billion, which he alleged went to Marcos and Romualdez.

At the end of the video, Co said he hopes he does not get killed and apologized to his family and to Filipinos, saying he only followed what he was told to do and is now ready to face the consequences.

REFERENCES: 

[1] Zaldy Co. (2025, November 15). Video post [Video]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17b3j4zkLt/

[2]. Zaldy Co. (2025, November 14). Video post [Video]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EtDs5eMDC/

[3]. GMA News. (2025, November 15). Post [Post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/175WJDCvUE/

[4]. GMA News. (2025, November 14). Video post [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/lBFsqnNLU94?si=bM-apGRcq-J4vlKJ

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬: "Who Am I Without the Title" by Bhea Mae P. Villaruel

Publishes by: Jeliana Atabay

Date Published: November 21, 2025

Time Published: 6:45 PM

Category: Poetry

Theme: Dreams give strength through struggles.

Who am I without the title I chase,

Without the medals, the honor, the praise? 

I used to shine with every grade, 

But now that light begins to fade. 

Back in the days, I stood so tall, 

Achiever’s pride, I had it all. 

But now it feels, I lost my way, 

Questioning myself almost everyday. 

They see me strong, they call me smart, 

But fear of failing breaks my heart. 

I hide my tears, I wear a smile,

And carry burdens all the while. 

I’ll work so hard with my pen, 

To achieve my goal once again. 

Gain the courage to face my fear, 

Focus more on chasing my dream. 

So, who am I without the title? 

When I see myself down a little.

I’ll strive each day, no matter the pain, 

For my future, family, and dreams I will attain.

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗡: "Sigaw ng Kabataan" ni Gieselle R. Carullo

Inilathala ni: Jeliana Atabay

Petsang Inilathala: Nobyembre 21, 2025

Oras na Inilathala: 6:34 PM

Kategorya: Tula

Tema: Pangarap ng kabataan laban sa dilim ng kasinungaling

Sa bayan kong sinilangan, puno ng pag-asa–

Ngunit sa likod ng ngiti, may takot at dusa.

Mga batang naglalaro, may pangarap sa mata—

Ngunit gutom at hirap, siyang sumisira.

Kung ang kabataan ay ilaw ng kinabukasan–

Sila’y huhubog ng bagong kasaysayan.

Magiging binhi ng tunay na pagbabago—

Itatanim sa lupa, aani ng ginto.

Sa mga mata ng mga anak, ang tanong ay nakataga—

"Bakit ang aming pangarap, kay hirap makuha?"  

Sa mga lingkod-bayan, nasaan ang kanilang dangal? 

Nakaupo sa ginto, habang bayan ay gutom at nasasakal

Sa bawat katahimikan, dama ang bigat at sakit—

Sa mga sulok ng kwarto, mga pangarap ay nakaukit.  

Sana’y magbago ang hangin, dumating nawa ang araw—

Ang kinabukasan ng bawat isa'y 'di na maagaw.

Sa gitna ng gutom, sa lilim ng pangamba—

Kabataan pa rin ang umaasang may umaga.

Sila’y patuloy na humahakbang sa bawat pagkadapa—

Dugo’t pawis nila’y may kalakip na pag-asa.

Sa bawat pagsikat ng araw, may panibagong laban–

Hangad ang pagbabago’t tunay na kalayaan.

Itigil ang korapsyon, ituwid ang landas ng bayan— 

Isang panata para sa tunay na kalayaan.