Brief Summary
This news report covers a range of topics, including a devastating fire in Tondo, Manila, the Senate's debate on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sarah Duterte, and concerns over GSIS investments. It also addresses issues such as a teenager being given a spiked cigarette, temporary closure of a church due to alleged desecration, and the suspension of rice imports. Additionally, it features human interest stories like a newborn baby rescued from a canal and a PBB housemate's life story.
- Fire in Tondo leaves families homeless, cause being investigated.
- Senate debates impeachment complaint against VP Sarah Duterte.
- GSIS investments in online gambling and other companies under review.
- Various other news items including crime, weather updates, and entertainment.
Tondo Fire
A fire in Tondo, Manila, left dozens of families homeless and injured three, including two firefighters. The fire, which took six hours to extinguish, required a helicopter to assist due to the difficulty in accessing the area. Investigators are looking into the cause, with one factor being the burning of goods to extract copper. Nearly 1,500 families in Barangay 105 were affected, losing their homes and belongings. Firefighters faced challenges due to narrow roads, and a chopper was used to scoop water for faster extinguishing. The residents were seen collecting scrap materials to sell for income.
Senate Debates Impeachment Complaint Against VP Sarah Duterte
The Senate is discussing how to proceed with the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sarah Duterte after the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. Senator Rodante Marcoleta argued for dismissal, citing procedural errors in the impeachment process by the House of Representatives. Floor Leader Tito Soto countered with a motion for reconsideration, suggesting the Supreme Court might rectify its decision. Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed out that Senate rules lack a provision for a motion to dismiss. Senate President Jesus Cudero proposed archiving the complaint. The House Prosecution Panel believes the Supreme Court could reverse its decision, leading to a reconvening of the Senate Impeachment Court.
Police Investigate Spiked Cigarette Incident
Police in Taguig are searching for suspects who allegedly gave a 16-year-old boy a spiked cigarette, causing him to lose his temper and require hospitalization. The victim stated he was forced to smoke it out of fear. CCTV footage shows two men on a motorcycle approaching the victim. The suspects are still unidentified, and police are investigating the incident, increasing curfew enforcement in the area.
VP Duterte's Defense Team Responds to Impeachment Appeal
Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team is preparing its response to the House of Representatives' appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the impeachment case. They are also awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on other related motions. The defense team respects the House's decision to file a motion for reconsideration and is preparing to submit their comment within the given timeframe. They are also ready to respond to any motion to interview filed by One Sambayan, focusing on their legal strategy and consulting with the Vice President at every step.
GSIS Investment Review
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will review its investments, including those in an online gambling platform (DG Plus), following concerns raised by a senator about potential losses. Senator Risa Ontiveros questioned the GSIS's one-billion investment in DG Plus, noting the significant drop in share value. Concerns were also raised about GSIS's purchase of perpetual preferred shares in Alter G without board approval. GSIS assures members that it remains strong, with total assets of Php1.88 trillion and a net operating income of over Php76 billion as of June 2025. DG Plus stated that the transaction was conducted on the Philippine Stock Exchange, following market trade rules.
Church Temporarily Closed After Desecration
St. John the Baptist Parish in Misamis Occidental was temporarily closed after a content creator allegedly spat on its holy water container. Osamis Bishop Martin strongly condemned the act as a desecration. A video of the vlogger inside the church went viral. The vlogger denied the allegation but apologized to the Catholic Church. The LGU and church authorities are planning to file a complaint against the content creator under Article 133 for offending religious feelings.
Weather Update: Low Pressure Areas
Two low-pressure areas (LPAs) are being monitored by Pag-asa, one inside and one outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The LPA within PAR is expected to affect Northern and Central Luzon, bringing rain. The southwest monsoon is also strengthening, contributing to widespread rainfall across the country. Heavy rains are expected in Luzon, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.
President Marcos on Funding for SONA Projects
President Bongbong Marcos expressed confidence that the projects outlined in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be funded. He attributed the recovery in survey ratings to his focus on projects that directly benefit the people. The president addressed concerns about financing these projects, stating that Philippine money is being used correctly and that funds allocated for specific purposes are actually being used for those purposes. He also discussed strategies for increasing rice production and reducing subsidies.
Accused Afternoon Prime Series Update
The GMA afternoon primetime show "Accused" is set to reveal many secrets between the characters played by Andrea Torres and Benjamin Alves. The show promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced storyline. The cast and crew are excited about the viewers' positive response to the show's speed and immediate resolution of questions.
GMA Kapuso Foundation Bloodletting Project
The GMA Kapuso Foundation continues its Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project to help those in need. The project aims to address the increasing demand for blood, especially during calamities and dengue outbreaks. The public is invited to donate blood at Ever Commonwealth on August 8. The project provides information about who can donate and the health benefits of donating blood.
Suspension of Rice Importation
President Bongbong Marcos suspended rice imports for six days starting September 1 to protect farmers during the harvest season. The decision was made during his state visit to India. The Department of Agriculture recommended the suspension due to high local rice stocks. The president also met with the Indian Business Community to encourage investment in the Philippines and signed terms of reference for negotiations for the India Philippines Preferential Trade Agreement.
Fuel Price Hike and Fare Increase Demands
Following a significant increase in fuel prices, some jeepney operator groups are demanding a temporary fare increase. The LTFRB says there is a fuel subsidy available, but it is conditional. The LTFRB is hesitant to raise fares due to the burden on the public but acknowledges the rising cost of living. Fuel subsidies are available if crude oil prices hit $80 per barrel.
Jillian Ward and David Lika Action Training
Jillian Ward and David Lika are undergoing action training for the upcoming Kapuso series "Never Say Die." Jillian is trying something new with a more mature and action-oriented role. David Lika is also shedding his national Ginoo image for the series, undergoing intense training in armies and knife fighting.
Downburst in Negros Occidental
Two houses in Cabangkalan City, Negros Occidental, were damaged by strong winds caused by a downburst, not a tornado. Pag-asa explained that a downburst is a sudden, heavy rainfall with strong winds in a specific area. Residents are advised to stay calm, remain indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid rivers and steep areas during a downburst.
Climate Migration
The Philippines ranked third globally in terms of displacement due to natural disasters in 2023, with over 2.5 million Filipinos displaced. Climate change is causing more devastating disasters, potentially displacing up to 1.2 billion people globally by 2050. Climate migration occurs when people are forced to relocate due to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, storm surges, and impacts on livelihoods.
Newborn Baby Rescued from Canal
A newborn baby was rescued from a canal in Cavite after being found in the narrow space between two houses. A man squeezed through a small opening to rescue the baby. The baby's underage mother has been identified, and social welfare is providing intervention for both mother and child.
Senate Archives Impeachment Complaint Against VP Duterte
The Senate voted to archive the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sarah Duterte. The senators debated for hours before agreeing to archive the complaint instead of dismissing it. This decision follows the Supreme Court's ruling that the impeachment complaint was unconstitutional.
Shuvi Atrata's Life Story on Magpakailan Man
Sparkle star Shuvi Atrata's life story as an older sister and breadwinner will be featured on Magpakailan Man. The episode will highlight her life on Bantayan Island in Cebu, where she began providing for her family as the eldest of nine siblings. Shuvi will play herself in the episode, sharing her experiences and the challenges she faced.
