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Jasha Gamao

Lifestyle

Senate approves merit scholarship bill and key international treaties

September 8, 2026 10:34 AM
PST

PASAY CITY—The Senate of the Philippines passed several major measures on third reading during its plenary session on Monday, September 7. Lawmakers unanimously approved five international treaties, covering aircraft safety rules, legal assistance with India, space damage liability, higher education qualification recognition, and a double-taxation agreement with Cambodia. 

Alongside these foreign accords, the chamber approved Senate Bill No. 2410, establishing the new Presidential Merit Scholarship Program to support top-performing students nationwide.

Senate Bill No. 2410 aims to fund top-tier education for deserving youth who lack the money to pay for college. Author and sponsor Deputy Majority Leader Joel Villanueva voted "Yes" on the measure, emphasizing that financial status should never block bright students from succeeding. 

He highlighted how the scholarship turns hard work into national progress, giving families fresh hope and preparing young Filipinos for the workforce.

“Hindi mapuputol ang pangarap dahil kapos ang pamilya. Hindi masasayang ang talino dahil kulang ang pagkakataon. At ang sipag ng kabataan ay magiging lakas ng bayan. Sa bawat iskolar, may pamilyang nabibigyan ng pag-asa, may kabataang nahahanda para sa trabaho, at may pangarap na nagiging ambag sa bayan,” Senator Villanueva said.

During the same session, lawmakers debated Senate Bill No. 2424, also known as the proposed Child Online Safety and Protection Act. 

Senator Erwin Tulfo called for much harsher fines on massive tech companies that allow harmful content and fake news to flood their apps. 

Pointing out the deep pockets of social media giants, he questioned why current proposals focus heavily on parents instead of holding wealthy internet platforms directly accountable.

“Narinig ko po kanina nabanggit po ng ating dating Senate President 'yung ika nga uh pagpaparusa sa mga magulang. Ang tanong ko naman po, meron po ba nakasaad na ika nga na pagpaparusa o penalty po sa social media apps, Kasi po lagi pong nagagamit,” Senator Tulfo asked.

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Sports

Public servants unite for Sports and Charity as UNTV Cup EFO 2026 fires off in San Juan

September 8, 2026 10:01 AM
PST

SAN JUAN CITY—The FilOil EcoOil Centre erupted with excitement as the UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2026 grandly opened its new season on September 6, 2026. High-ranking government leaders stepped out of their offices and onto the court, demonstrating that camaraderie, public service, and athletic passion go hand in hand. 

The colorful parade of teams formally set the high-energy tone, featuring eleven participating agency teams: 

  • AFP Cavaliers
  • BIR Nation Builders
  • BJMP Greyhounds
  • DOJ Radiance
  • Executive Branch Commanders
  • GSIS Furies
  • Judiciary Magis
  • Ombudsman Graftbusters
  • PhilHealth Health Insurers
  • PNP Responders
  • Senate Sentinels

Adding massive inspiration to the milestone event was UNTV Sports and Charity founder Kuya Daniel Razon, who personally graced the opening ceremony to rally the executive athletes. 

In his message to the public servants assembled on the court, he emphasized the core spirit of the tournament, stating: “At naniniwala po kami na kaisa namin kayo doon, na sa anumang pagkakataon, kaya nating gawin ang anumang bagay na mabuti, hindi natin ito ipagkakait sa kinauukulan, primarily dahil kayong lahat po ay bahagi ng atin pong mga public servants sa ating bansa.”

Following the ceremony, UNTV Cup Commissioner Fortunato ‘Atoy’ Co took center court to personally draw the matchups for the opening games. 

Action tipped off right away in the first match, where the AFP Cavaliers dominated the hardwood against the Ombudsman Graftbusters, cruising to an 83–63 victory. 

Demonstrating stellar execution throughout the game, Paul Carbajal powered the Cavaliers to their first win of the season and earned Best Player of the Game honors.

The day’s feature contest delivered a down-to-the-wire nail-biter as the Judiciary Magis narrowly edged out the Senate Sentinels in a 67–65 thriller. 

Leading the clutch charge for the Magis was Midas Marquez, whose game-winning plays and composure under pressure secured the victory and earned him the Best Player award, wrapping up a memorable opening day dedicated to sportsmanship and noble charitable causes.

Always watch and support UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2026 live or via livestream on UNTV Sports social media channels.

Sports

AFP Cavaliers wallop Ombudsman 83-63 in UNTV Cup EFO 2026 opener

September 8, 2026 8:55 AM
PST

SAN JUAN CITY—Defending champion AFP Cavaliers wasted no time asserting their dominance, dismantling the Ombudsman Graftbusters, 83-63, in the opening game of the UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2026 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on September 6. 

The Cavaliers immediately made a powerful statement, kicking off their title defense with a decisive 20-point blowout that put the rest of the league on high alert.

Reigning 2025 Season and Finals MVP Paul Carbajal spearheaded the relentless charge for the military squad. 

Continuing his dominant form from last season, Carbajal controlled the pace, delivered clutch plays, and earned Best Player of the Game honors to jumpstart the Cavaliers' campaign on a high note.

The MVP emphasized that disciplined execution and physical conditioning proved to be the winning formula in their season opener. 

"Mag-stick lang kami sa plan kung ano yung sinasabi ng coaches namin and of course kailangan magpa-kondisyon kasi pag executive kasi mas mahirap yung conditioning, oras na ia-allot para sa mga practice… so, kailangan talaga ibuhos namin lahat," Carbajal shared post-game.

With a strong 1-0 start in the bag, the AFP Cavaliers set the tone early for the rest of the tournament. As the executive tournament ramps up, the champions remain laser-focused on maintaining their conditioning and tactical sharpness to keep their throne secure.

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Sports

Clash of Executives: UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2026 tips off with big mission for Sports and Charity

September 4, 2026 11:15 AM
PST

SAN JUAN CITY—High-ranking government officials trade their suits for jerseys as the UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2026 officially tips off on September 6, 2026, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Elevating the country’s premier charity basketball league to new heights, this season unleashes top agency executives onto the hardwood to compete for hard-court glory while driving substantial financial assistance to vital charitable causes. 

Every point scored and victory earned translates directly into expanded public service, solidifying the league's mission of combining athletic excellence with nationwide charitable impact.  

Eleven formidable government agencies step onto the court this season, each determined to champion their causes and capture the title:

  • AFP Cavaliers
  • BIR Nation Builders
  • BJMP GreyhoundS
  • DOJ Radiance
  • Executive Branch Commanders
  • GSIS Furies
  • Judiciary Magis
  • Ombudsman Graftbusters
  • PhilHealth Health Insurers
  • PNP Responders
  • Senate Sentinels

Expect high-octane action right from the opening tip-off as these executive leaders showcase their conditioning, tactical hustle, and competitive drive. 

Facing a grueling tournament schedule, the participating agency heads are proving that their commitment to the Filipino people extends far beyond office desks. 

Basketball fans can look forward to fast-paced, physical match-ups, setting an aggressive and inspiring tone for the entire 2026 season.

Don't miss a single minute of the action! Catch the games live at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City to support your favorite government leaders, or stream the coverage online through the official UNTV Sports social media channels. 

WIN in SPORTS, WIN for CHARITY!

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Sports

6TH FINALS APPEARANCE: AFP Cavaliers outlasts PNP Responders in semifinal clincher

September 4, 2026 10:51 AM
PST

MANILA—The AFP Cavaliers punched their ticket to the UNTV Cup Season 12 Finals after fending off a resilient PNP Responders squad, 69-65, in Game 2 of their best-of-three semifinal clash on September 2 at the Paco Arena. 

AFP sealed a 2-0 series sweep to eliminate their rival and secure their sixth overall finals appearance in league history.

Demonstrating unrelenting defensive grit down the stretch, the Cavaliers thwarted every comeback surge launched by the Responders. 

The dramatic victory positions the four-time champions back on the league's biggest stage for the first time since 2023, when they captured their fourth title against the Judiciary Magis. 

Now, AFP stands just wins away from claiming a record-extending fifth championship crown in the premier Sports and Charity league.

Leading the charge for the Cavaliers was star player Michael Bañaria, who earned Player of the Game honors for the fourth time. 

Bañaria turned in a dominant all-around performance, dropping 17 points and pulling down 5 rebounds to anchor AFP’s offense and withstand PNP’s pressure.

“Tulad po ng sinasabi ng coaching staff namin, teamwork, hardwork at saka tiyaga lang sa depensa at one game at a time lang po talaga kami,” Bañaria reflected after the hard-fought victory, crediting their collective defense and discipline. 

Looking ahead to the championship clash, he pledged complete commitment: “Ibibigay po namin yung 100% po namin sa laro tsaka patience, teamwork lang po palagi tsaka makinig po palagi sa coaching staff.”

With the semifinals behind them, the AFP Cavaliers are set for a colossal Finals matchup against the Ombudsman Graftbusters. 

Beyond the prestige of agency glory, both teams prepare to clash for the ultimate prize—funding the vital missions of their chosen charitable beneficiaries.

WIN in SPORTS, WIN for CHARITY!