Marcos tells Senate majority amid session 'boycott': 'Get back to work' — ANC

[0:00] With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressing outrage over the Senate majority's move to boycott sessions for two straight days amid a deepening divide in the upper chamber, [0:11] Jervis Manahanaw joins us live from Malacanang to lead us off. Jervis, over to you. [0:17] Yes, Carmina, after two days with no session at the Senate, President Bongbong Marcos himself urged the senators to get back to work. [0:25] He says there is a lot of work to be done and they will not be able to achieve anything if the session once again gets suspended because of a lack of quorum. [0:34] Today is effectively the C&D adjournment of the legislative calendar. [0:38] And after today, the Senate session will resume on the last Monday of July in time for the President's State of the Nation address. [0:46] Get back to work. Get back to work because it's important. Dami nating kailangan gawin. [0:54] And look, we had a meeting sa Uplift Committee. And marami tayong kailangan pagawa sa mga batas na mga batas. [1:04] Like we were thinking, baka magkasupplemental budget, baka magpaka-amendahan namin ang mga ibang batas. [1:11] Ito ay kailangan para makapagbigay tayo ng tulong sa taong bayan dahil nga sa oil crisis. [1:17] Marco says there are rules on the cancellation of a Senate session and that include informing the other chamber three days prior to the cancellation. [1:29] He said cancellation of a session requires a very heavy and legitimate reason, which he does not see in the current situation. [1:36] I don't think na ihakatid mo ang isang senador para pumunta kung saan siya pupunta. [1:44] Hindi yata sapat na dahilan niyan para i-cancel ang isang session. [1:50] Isang session lang yun. Ngayon, cancelado na naman ang isang session. [1:54] Hindi ko nga maintindihan kung paano sila magtatrabaho kung ganito. [2:02] Marcos, who was a former senator himself, was visibly dismayed with what is happening at the Senate. [2:08] He earlier said he does not understand why the Senate has come to this point where personal attacks have been thrown among the lawmakers. [2:18] It is a rule that is contained in the Constitution. [2:22] And so, I'm afraid whatever, all these events that we have been witnessing has thrown the Senate and its leadership, the whole Senate into disarray. [2:41] It has discredited the leadership, and it has stopped the essential business of legislation in government. [2:52] The two other departments continue to work. The executive continues to work. The judiciary continues to work. [2:58] Why does the legislature decide to stop working? I don't understand that. [3:07] Marcos has talked to fellow senators during the past congresses, and they have all expressed their disappointment with what has been happening at the upper chamber. [3:18] He also said that no work will be done if senators just stay at home. [3:22] This echoes the same sentiment of minority senators who have slammed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano for continuing to go live on social media, but skips the session for two days now. [3:32] The best description I can have is that the legislature is now in disarray, but that is exactly the opposite from what we are trying to achieve. [3:46] We are trying to achieve some form of stability so that people can get on with their lives, so that people can plan ahead for their future, [3:55] so that people can count on the assistance of government during this time of an emergency. [4:00] And we cannot do that if the legislature decides to stay at home and have a vacation. [4:07] That is anathema to everything that governance is about. [4:15] I never imagined in my entire life, never mind my entire political life, that such a thing could happen, [4:23] especially to the august, it's no longer august now, but to the august body of the upper house, the Senate of the Philippines. [4:33] It's a very, very sad situation. [4:39] Carmina Marcos says they are examining all options and looking at laws on how they can put a remedy to the situation. [4:45] He says that he cannot punish or sanction the Senate as a co-equal branch of the government. [4:50] Marcos said this on the sidelines of a meet-and-greet event with the Presidential Scholars in Manila. [4:56] Carmina. [4:57] Thanks a lot. Jervis Manahan there, joining us live from the Palace. [5:02] On Tuesday, the Senate Minority Block demanded the resignation of Senate President Ellen Peter Cayetano [5:07] after the Senate Majority skipped the session for a second straight day upon Cayetano's order. [5:13] Let's hear more from Victoria Tulad. [5:15] Tuesday's Senate session was supposed to start at 3 in the afternoon, [5:20] but at 3.18 p.m., Minority Senators Juan Miguel Zuberi and Francis Pangilinan said the majority block will not be attending again. [5:31] Senate Secretary Jose Luis Montales confirmed that he received a message from Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano [5:38] who said the majority will not be coming. [5:41] Minority Senators immediately huddled and talked in the Senate lounge. [5:45] They held a press conference a few minutes later and condemned supposed violations of the Senate rules. [5:51] What happened today was a clear abandonment of responsibility, a dereliction of duty, [5:58] and a blatant disregard of the rules that govern this institution. [6:02] Because the Senate cannot be made to stop working simply because its presiding officer refuses to leave. [6:10] Sa dami na nilalabag ang rules ng Senado, it's actually impunity masquerading as assertion of the Senate as an independent institution. [6:23] Impunity ito, sunod-sunod ang paglabag mula noong May 11. [6:28] The minority wants Cayetano to resign. [6:31] Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano showed, as he has shown, that he can function as the leader of the Senate. [6:42] At maling-mali pa, yung sinabi niya kahapon na, let the Senate go quiet. [6:47] Ang Senado ay dapat poses ng mamamayan. Bakit niya bubusalan? [6:52] According to the Solid Block 11 or Minority Block, they will show up for Wednesday's session, [6:58] even if there is a chance that the majority will not. [7:01] June 3 is the last session day before Congress adjourns Sinedye. [7:05] Session will resume on July 27, the day of the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. [7:11] The minority appealed to majority Senators to show up on Wednesday. [7:16] Every day, ang Senate gumagastos ng 25 milyon sa kuryente, sa utilities, sa sweldo, pero walang seso nangyari. [7:27] Walang batas na na-approve, walang resolution na-approve. Sayang ang bayad ng taong bayan. [7:33] At inihiling po namin sa mga kasama namin na nagmamahal pa po sa Senado at nais magtrabaho para sa taong bayan. [7:41] Pumasok po bukas, magkita-kita tayo dito, pwedeng pagdibatihan, kahit anong bagay. [7:46] The minority also called on the majority to join them. [7:50] Zubiri mentioned that some majority Senators have texted him and said they want to work. [8:04] They were allegedly confused as to why the situation in the Senate has reached its current point. [8:10] According to Senator Rafi Tulfo, there is still a chance that three to five of their colleagues may possibly jump ship. [8:17] Tulfo believes many in the majority still have a sense of responsibility. [8:22] He also criticized Kayatano for resorting to Facebook Live instead of showing up in the plenary and engaging in debates. [8:33] The Senate President took to Facebook and said majority Senators are skipping the session [8:40] to ensure that the probe into the flood control scandal will push through. [8:47] So, ngayon naman po, na walang forum at walang session yesterday and today, [8:55] may kasamang mga protesta yun, protest, against a puppet Senate na gusto nila. [9:03] But, it is also a parliamentary tool to ensure na tuloy ang Blue Ribbon hearing sa Thursday. [9:11] So, alam po namin plano nila. [9:13] Ang plano nila, abangan, tanggalin ang mga committee sa legitimate majority. [9:19] Why do I say a legitimate majority? [9:22] In a completely independent Senate, 13 is 13. [9:26] Kahit na sa abroad, kahit fugitive, kahit na nakakulong. [9:29] The minority denies Kayatano's allegations that they are blocking any committee hearing, [9:34] particularly the resumption of the Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry [9:36] on anomalous flood control projects scheduled on Thursday, June 4. [9:41] They said this was only a figment of imagination of the other bloc. [9:45] The minority also belied the statement of Senator Jingoy Estrada [9:49] that he was threatened to turn his back on the majority [9:52] in exchange for his cases being dropped. [9:55] Pangilinan said they will review all legal remedies [9:58] in order to address the current situation, [10:00] including possible ethics complaints and going to the Supreme Court. [10:04] Victoria Tulad, ABS-CBN News. [10:11] Senator Irvin Tulfa slams comparisons between the minorities walkout [10:16] and the majority session boycott. [10:18] Senate President Ellen Peter-Caitano earlier said [10:21] the two-day majority boycott was intended to prevent the minorities' alleged plan [10:25] to take over key committees and stop the continuation [10:28] of the Blue Ribbon Committee's flood control probe. [10:32] He adds the minorities walkout last May 26 [10:35] was part of an alleged effort to change the leadership. [10:39] But Tulfa insists the two blocs have different motives. [10:43] We were rules or we were protecting the institution [10:49] na parang hindi mabastos, mabaliwala ang mga rules ng Senate. [10:56] Sa kanila naman po, sinasabi nila, ibang-iba po eh, [10:59] si kanila naman, who are they protecting? [11:01] They're protecting themselves, they're protecting their colleagues [11:06] na in protest, na nakakulong, they sympathize. [11:10] Yung walkout po nila, sabi nila na napoprotesta daw sila [11:15] sa pagkahuli ni Jingoy. [11:16] And there was warrant of arrest naman. [11:18] There was due process naman. [11:20] And ever since pa lang, that's what the people have been waiting for. [11:24] Na the executive department will do what it promised [11:29] na somebody will have to pay dito sa flood control. [11:32] We are the Senate. [11:34] We do laws. [11:36] We pass laws. [11:37] We are being paid by the people to craft laws. [11:44] Tulfo once again appeals to his colleagues [11:46] to come to their census and fulfill their duties as senators. [11:49] Why is he so afraid? [11:54] Could this be the reason why he doesn't want to show up? [11:58] Because suddenly somebody finally made up their mind like, [12:05] enough with this. [12:06] No, the minority is right. [12:09] Mali itong ginagawa namin. [12:11] Now one day they will just wake up. [12:13] Two of them will wake up and we say, [12:15] no, we'll just join the minority. [12:17] Is that what he's afraid of? [12:18] Ewan ko itong mga kasamang ko po, [12:20] para mga utu-utu naman, [12:22] pumapayag na hindi po sila papasok. [12:23] We've been appealing since the other day, [12:26] please come to work. [12:27] Those who are still in their census, [12:30] pumasok na kayo. [12:31] An obstruction of justice complaint has been filed against Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, [12:39] Senator Robin Hood Padilla, [12:40] and the suspended Senate Security Chief [12:43] over the escape of fugitive Senator Ronald De La Rosa. [12:46] Harleen Delgado on the line now to tell us more about this. [12:49] Harleen, over to you. [12:50] Yes, Carmina, representatives of civil society groups filed an obstruction of justice complaint [12:56] before the office of the Ombudsman against Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, [13:01] Senator Robin Hood Padilla, [13:02] and suspended Office of the Senate Sergeant Arms Chief Mauro Plasca [13:05] for their alleged role in helping Senator Ronald Bato De La Rosa leave the Senate and evade arrest. [13:11] Tindig Pilipinas conveners Kiko Aquino D. and Sylvia Claudio [13:15] led the filing together with other labor and youth advocates on Wednesday, June 3. [13:20] D. pointed out the acts of Cayetano placing De La Rosa under protective custody, [13:25] use of Padilla's car for De La Rosa's escape, [13:28] and the Senate shooting incident led by Plasca as the basis of their complaint, [13:33] emphasizing the need for accountability. [13:36] The complainants believe that the respondents knowingly and willfully obstructed, [13:40] impeded, and delayed the apprehension of De La Rosa, [13:43] who was a subject of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court. [13:47] D. said a copy of the complaint has been forwarded [13:49] to the ICC for information and as courtesy being involved in the case. [13:55] Let's hear it from Kiko Aquino D. [13:56] Kaya mahalagang hakbang po yung pag-file ng obstruction of justice [14:09] para magkaroon ng konsekwenses yung mga ginawa ng ating mga senador [14:13] at saka para magkaroon ng pananagutan para sa mga issue na ito, [14:16] para manaiig po yung rulos po. [14:19] Meanwhile, Judy Ann Miranda of Labor Group Partido Manggagawa said, [14:23] civil society groups will also file a complaint before the Senate Ethics Committee [14:27] against the senators who allegedly aid De La Rosa in leaving the Senate building. [14:32] They add that they are discussing the possible filing of appropriate legal action [14:36] amid the Senate majority bloc, [14:38] escaping the supposed plan of recession for the second straight day. [14:42] The group also joined the call for Cayetano to resign from his post. [14:46] Back to you, Carmina. [14:47] Thanks a lot. [14:48] Harleen Delgado there joining us on the line. [14:50] And back here in the newsroom, [14:51] the Sandigan Bayan Second Division reschedules the arraignment [14:54] of Senator Jingoy Estrada [14:56] and former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan [14:59] due to the latter's medical condition. [15:02] Malacanang maintains Estrada was arrested [15:04] and rejected the senator's claim he surrendered to authorities. [15:07] Cassandra Salonga tells us more. [15:10] After spending the night at the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, [15:17] Senator Jingoy Estrada once again appeared before the Sandigan Bayan Second Division [15:21] for the scheduled arraignment on his graft charge. [15:24] His daughter said the senator was not able to sleep [15:27] during his first night in detention. [15:29] Next to arrive was his co-accused, [15:31] former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan. [15:33] Bonoan came in an ambulance [15:35] and was brought inside the courtroom on a wheelchair [15:38] after the Philippine National Police Health Service [15:40] said he was in stable condition. [15:42] But before the hearing began, [15:44] health personnel repeatedly monitored Bonoan's blood pressure [15:47] which reportedly reached 160 over 90. [15:51] His camp later asked for the arraignment to be reset, [15:54] saying he needed to be seen by a cardiologist [15:56] to rule out possible cardiovascular conditions linked to hypertension. [16:00] Yung cost ng high ng blood pressure niya has many multifactors, right? [16:05] Siyempre, first of all, yung stress. [16:08] So, the stress could trigger the increase of blood pressure. [16:13] Bonoan will remain at the PNP General Hospital [16:15] while his motion for hospital arrest is still pending. [16:18] Meanwhile, President Justice Geraldine Ekong [16:21] ordered Estrada's camp to file a written motion [16:23] for the request to allow the senator to attend hearings [16:26] without handcuffs and without wearing a BJMP uniform [16:30] after the defense argued that Estrada [16:32] had already posted bail in the graft case [16:34] handled by the 2nd Division. [16:36] The defense also asked the court to allow Estrada [16:38] to attend proceedings via video conferencing, [16:41] but Justice Ekong said virtual attendance [16:43] is already an option available to all accused persons. [16:46] The camp of Estrada also wanted him to attend [16:49] Senate caucuses, committee hearings, and plenary sessions [16:52] while the case is pending. [16:54] But the court said this is beyond its jurisdiction. [16:57] Estrada's lawyer, Attorney Noel Austria, [16:59] said they will raise the matter with the Senate. [17:02] The court's 2nd Division has agreed to reset [17:04] the arraignment to June 4. [17:06] On the same day, the accused are set to be arraigned [17:08] for their non-bailable plunder charge, [17:10] pending the resolution of motions filed by the accused. [17:13] The court also gave the prosecution time [17:15] to submit its comment after it said [17:17] it had not yet received copies of the motions. [17:20] The senator earlier filed motions [17:22] to withdraw the issuance of a warrant of arrest, [17:24] to quash the criminal information filed by the ombudsman, [17:27] or to have the case remanded to the ombudsman [17:30] or DOJ for reinvestigation. [17:32] Meanwhile, Malacanang clarified Estrada [17:34] was arrested by authorities, [17:36] disputing the senator's statement he had surrendered. [17:38] Matatawag po itong pag-aresto dahil hindi po voluntary yung pumunta [17:45] si senator jingoy Estrada mismo sa mga law enforcers, [17:51] hindi pumunta sa CIDG, sa PNP, o sa korte sa Sandigan Bayan. [17:57] Ombudsman prosecutors alleged that Estrada received about P573 million pesos [18:02] in kickbacks from flood control projects, [18:04] which Estrada has repeatedly denied. [18:07] Cassandra Salonga, ABS-CBN News. [18:11] More charges stemming from the flood control mess [18:14] set to be filed tomorrow at the Malolos Bulacan Regional Trial Court. [18:18] Public Works Chief Vince Dizon said, [18:21] and we quote, [18:22] a big fish is among those who will be charged tomorrow [18:25] over flood control anomalies. [18:27] Dizon says this is part of President Marcos' commitment [18:31] to hold accountable those involved in the corruption scandal. [18:38] And still on that scandal, [18:39] the Sandigan Bayan resumes its hearings [18:41] on the malversation case against former Senator Bong Uravila. [18:45] Cassandra Salonga now joins us with an update. [18:48] Cass, over to you. [18:48] Nina, good morning. [18:51] A former DPWH planning service director testified [18:55] he was not furnished copies of errata on infrastructure projects [18:59] and proponents to be included in the budget proposal [19:02] because the late DPWH other Secretary Catalina Cabral [19:06] would often bypass the agency's chain of command. [19:10] DPWH Assistant Secretary Alex Bote, [19:13] who previously served as the agency's planning service director, [19:17] made the testimony during the Sandigan Bayan 3 Division's trial [19:21] of former Senator Ramon Bonneville Jr.'s malversation case [19:24] over the alleged flood control project in Fandibulacan. [19:29] Bote told the court that Cabral made it clear [19:31] upon his appointment in 2023 [19:33] that she will frequently communicate directly [19:35] with the planning division on some matters. [19:38] He said he never had the opportunity [19:40] to question the arrangement [19:41] during his two years in the position. [19:44] Bote said he had access to regular documents, [19:47] but outputs of the planning service [19:49] related to the 2025 annual budget, [19:52] including corrections or errata, [19:54] did not pass through his office [19:56] as part of a standard procedure [19:58] and were submitted directly to Cabral. [20:01] This corroborates earlier testimony [20:03] by DPWH Central Office Programming Section Chief Engineer [20:07] Gerard Longaria, [20:09] who told the court that Cabral directly instructed him [20:12] to encode the names of projects [20:14] and proponents for inclusion [20:15] in the amended budget proposal. [20:19] Engineer Peter Paul Cortez also previously told the court [20:22] that the amended budget proposal [20:24] contained an errata dated September 2024, [20:27] naming Revilia as a proponent [20:29] of the Fandibulacan project. [20:31] He confirmed that the corrected list [20:33] was later submitted [20:34] to the House Committee on Appropriations. [20:36] Back to you, Carmina. [20:37] Thanks a lot, Cassandra Salonga. [20:39] They're joining us on the line. [20:41] News Kavita Representative Francisco Barsaga [20:43] mulls seeking Supreme Court intervention [20:45] after being expelled [20:47] by the House of Representatives. [20:49] Agatha Gregorio has this report. [20:51] What began as two suspensions at 60 days each [20:55] for Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco Barsaga [20:59] ultimately ended in expulsion. [21:01] The House voted 265-14-8 to expel Barsaga [21:05] after its ethics committee cited disorderly behavior [21:09] and unprofessional conduct. [21:11] According to House Ethics Committee Chairperson J.C. Abalos, [21:14] a formal investigation showed infractions [21:16] such as disruptive physical demeanor, [21:19] mockery of the leadership, [21:20] and slanderous live broadcasts. [21:23] The respondent posted a video [21:25] on his official Facebook page [21:26] superimposing animated crocodiles [21:28] over the former House Speaker [21:30] and the majority leader [21:31] during an official speech, [21:34] pairing it with a mocking comedic tune [21:36] to humiliate the leadership. [21:38] On the 23rd and 24th of September 2025, [21:42] at the height of the critical [21:43] 2026 national budget deliberations, [21:46] the respondent conducted [21:47] unauthorized Facebook live broadcasts [21:50] from the plenary floor. [21:51] He used these live streams [21:52] to record colleagues without consent, [21:55] mock the proceedings, [21:56] and make serious unparliamentary [21:58] actuations live on camera. [22:02] Prior to voting, [22:03] a number of lawmakers spoke up [22:05] against the recommendation [22:06] of the ethics panel, [22:07] including Sagip Partyless Representative [22:09] Paolo Marcoleta [22:10] and BH Partyless Representative [22:12] Robert Mazzal. [22:13] For some House members, [22:14] the penalty is excessive. [22:17] But before the recommendation [22:18] was even tackled, [22:19] Barzaga was already waving [22:20] to lawmakers and guests [22:22] during plenary session, [22:23] saying, [22:24] Meow, meow. [22:25] It's the last day of Congressman Kiko Barzaga. [22:29] Barzaga says he is mulling [22:30] the possibility of questioning [22:31] the lower chamber's decision [22:33] before the Supreme Court. [22:34] Well, I'm open to everything. [22:37] The mga ganun pag-uusapan mo yan namin. [22:39] Before Barzaga was booted out of Congress, [22:42] National Bureau of Investigation Director [22:44] Melvin Matibag [22:45] filed an ethics complaint [22:46] against the Cavite lawmaker. [22:48] Matibag accused Barzaga [22:49] of spreading false information [22:51] on the May 13 shooting incident [22:53] at the Senate. [22:54] According to Matibag, [22:55] the NBI is also contemplating [22:56] filing criminal complaints [22:58] against Barzaga. [23:00] Agatha Gregorio, ABS-CBN News. [23:02] Vice President Sara Duterte [23:06] gives a message of support [23:07] for Barzaga [23:08] after his expulsion [23:09] from the House of Representatives. [23:11] Duterte tells him [23:12] being different is okay [23:14] and walking alone is okay too. [23:16] She said she has been called names [23:18] for supposedly refusing [23:20] to follow the norm. [23:21] Duterte adds Barzaga is different [23:23] because he has never brought home [23:25] suitcases of public funds, [23:27] never allowed drugs and alcohol [23:29] to flow from his office, [23:30] and never said yes [23:31] to corruption or oppression. [23:33] The Vice President [23:34] ended her message by saying [23:36] Barzaga has her utmost respect. [23:42] A director of the Securities [23:43] and Exchange Commission [23:43] has been arrested for extortion. [23:46] The National Bureau of Investigation [23:47] and the SEC [23:48] conducted the entrapment operation [23:50] to apprehend the still unnamed suspect [23:53] who allegedly extorted funds [23:55] from a private corporation. [23:57] The commission has placed [23:58] the director under preventive suspension [24:00] while the investigation is ongoing. [24:02] The SEC, however, [24:03] assured the public [24:04] operations will not be affected. [24:06] It also urged the public [24:08] to report any irregularities [24:09] or unethical practices [24:11] involving SEC officials [24:13] and personnel. [24:17] The Energy Department [24:18] announces a spike [24:19] in electricity rates [24:20] this June [24:21] due to the series [24:22] of red and yellow alerts [24:23] in the Luzon [24:24] and Visayas power grids. [24:26] Alvin Elcheco reports. [24:27] Carmen's current electricity bill [24:31] rose just a bit from April [24:33] but she wonders [24:34] why the overall rate [24:35] she's charged [24:36] has increased [24:37] from 14 pesos [24:38] and 31 centavos [24:40] per kilowatt hour. [24:41] The current overall rate [24:42] reflected on her bill now [24:44] is 14 pesos [24:45] and 41 centavos [24:47] per kilowatt hour. [24:48] Another consumer [25:02] from the same village [25:03] whose bill has almost doubled [25:05] to over 10,000 pesos [25:07] pays an overall charge [25:08] of 15 pesos [25:09] and 52 centavos [25:10] per kilowatt hour [25:11] more than one peso [25:13] higher than Carmen's. [25:14] Meralco spokesman [25:23] Joel Zaldariaga explains [25:24] the overall rate [25:26] is socialized [25:27] and bracketed [25:27] which means [25:28] consumers [25:29] who use more electricity [25:31] pays a higher [25:32] overall rate [25:33] versus those [25:34] who consume less. [25:35] The problem is [25:36] many consumers [25:37] during the summer season [25:38] go up to a higher bracket [25:40] due to extended use [25:42] of cooling devices [25:43] to beat the heat. [25:44] Yung dating 200 [25:46] during a period [25:48] na medyong malamig [25:50] yung panahon [25:50] pagdating na summer [25:52] tumataas yung kanilang [25:53] consumo [25:53] so tumataas din [25:54] yung kanilang bill [25:57] based on the [25:58] socialized structures. [26:00] Meralco has advised [26:01] consumers to write down [26:02] or record the reading [26:04] of the electric meter [26:05] on a daily [26:06] or weekly basis [26:07] to monitor consumption. [26:10] It gives you [26:11] that sense of [26:12] trying to manage [26:15] your consumption [26:16] kasi [26:17] kung hindi mo [26:18] titignan kung [26:19] ano na yung [26:20] nagiging consumo [26:21] tendency talaga [26:22] of some [26:23] hindi ko naman [26:24] nila lahat [26:24] of some [26:25] is to just [26:26] keep consuming. [26:27] Meanwhile, [26:28] if your Meralco [26:29] bill increased [26:29] last month, [26:30] prepare for [26:31] higher utility [26:32] expenses [26:32] as the Energy [26:33] Secretary [26:34] has announced [26:34] that Meralco's [26:35] June rate [26:36] is likely up [26:37] due to the series [26:38] of yellow [26:38] and red alerts [26:39] that plagued [26:40] the Luzon grid [26:40] from May 13 [26:41] to 15. [26:43] Dito po sa [26:44] Meralco [26:47] kasi may increase [26:49] talaga [26:49] kasi naggamit [26:50] ng lahat [26:51] ng LNG [26:52] na pwede nilang [26:52] gamitin [26:53] na maximum [26:54] natin [26:55] and those [26:55] are the expensive [26:56] ones. [26:57] So may impact siya. [27:00] Despite the [27:01] persistent yellow [27:01] alert in the [27:02] Visayas-Garin [27:03] says, [27:04] electricity prices [27:05] might decrease [27:05] in June [27:06] due to the [27:07] absence of [27:07] line rental [27:08] as power [27:09] exports from [27:09] Mindanao [27:10] and Luzon [27:10] remain limited. [27:12] But some [27:12] cause-oriented [27:12] groups had [27:13] earlier declared [27:14] that consumers [27:15] must not [27:16] shoulder the [27:16] price increase [27:17] due to the [27:18] shutdown of [27:18] transmission lines [27:19] and generating [27:20] power plants [27:21] since the [27:22] general public [27:23] has absolutely [27:24] nothing to do [27:25] with the [27:25] breakdown. [27:26] Alvin Olshiko, [27:28] ABS-CBN News. [27:32] And before we go, [27:33] we have this [27:33] just in President [27:34] Marcos has [27:34] appointed former [27:35] Taguig Mayor [27:36] Lino Cayetano [27:37] as the new [27:38] head of [27:39] state television [27:39] PTV. [27:41] Lino Cayetano [27:41] is the youngest [27:42] sibling of [27:43] Senate President [27:43] Alan Peter Cayetano [27:44] and Senator [27:45] Pia Cayetano. [27:47] His appointment [27:47] comes amid [27:48] the gridlock [27:49] and the Senate [27:49] being blamed [27:50] on Senate [27:51] President [27:51] Cayetano.