Jasha Gamao

Senator Bam Aquino on Monday rejected a blanket ban on violent video games, arguing instead for the strict implementation of age restrictions rather than wiping out an entire medium. 

Aquino pointed out that numerous studies have found no correlation between video games and school shootings. 

Treating video games as both an art form and a legitimate entertainment medium, the senator firmly stated that they “do not cause violent behavior.”

Aquino slammed the habit of blaming the gaming industry for broader societal issues, calling it a lazy distraction from the real issues at hand. 

“Magpi-50 years na rin iyong mga video games, pero it's always a convenient scapegoat sa tuwing may nangyayaring insidente ng karahasan.” he said.

Instead of a total shutdown, Aquino urged the government and retailers to enforce stricter age limits on mature-rated games, mimicking the current regulatory systems used for films and television programs. 

“Dapat sa mga video game stores and online stores, medyo mas strikto rin yung ating rules pagdating sa mga bata at iyong pag-access nila sa mga mature video games. But banning video games in general or as a whole, I don't think that's a good solution to our problems.” Aquino emphasized.

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The Senate and the House of Representatives have officially approved the final version of the Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act during a bicameral conference committee meeting on June 25, 2026. 

Once signed into law, this landmark legislation will expand current tuition voucher assistance to cover students from Kindergarten all the way through Senior High School. 

This expansion grants millions of Filipino learners the financial opportunity to enroll in qualified private educational institutions nationwide.

The measure directly tackles the chronic issue of classroom overcrowding in public schools while offering families broader educational choices, particularly in areas facing severe school capacity shortages. 

To ensure equitable access, the bill explicitly prioritizes students from vulnerable sectors. Additionally, the legislation injects critical support into the private education sector by boosting welfare programs and assistance for teachers employed in participating private schools.

Lawmakers and education stakeholders expressed strong optimism for the bill, which was heavily championed by EDCOM 2 and the Department of Education alongside key legislators from both chambers. 

Senator Bam Aquino, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and author of the Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act believed that education is the key to a better future for every Filipino student and law like this gives fair access to better quality education.

“Naniniwala tayo na ang edukasyon ang susi sa mas magandang kinabukasan ng bawat bata, ng kanyang pamilya, at ng buong komunidad. Mula basic education hanggang kolehiyo, ang bawat batang nabibigyan ng pagkakataong makapag-aral ay mas napapalapit sa pag-abot ng kanilang mga pangarap. Kaya patuloy nating isusulong ang mga repormang magpapalawak ng access sa dekalidad na edukasyon at magbibigay ng mas maraming oportunidad sa bawat batang Pilipino.” Senator Aquino said.

Proponents emphasized that securing quality education from basic schooling through college is the ultimate equalizer for Filipino families. 

With the bicameral hurdle cleared, the bill now moves forward for final enrollment and the President's signature to officially become the law of the land.

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MANILA—The Paco Arena bore witness to a historic milestone on June 24, as the PhilHealth Health Insurers secured their first-ever ticket to the UNTV Volleyball League (UVL) Season 4 Finals. 

Entering the court under immense pressure, PhilHealth treated the final match of the single round-robin semifinals as an absolute must-win situation. 

PhilHealth overcame the formidable BFP Lady Firefighters in a thrilling 3-1 victory (25-23, 25-22, 25-27, 25-16), proving that defeating the powerhouse squad was their only gateway to the championship round, and they delivered exactly when it mattered most to seal their historic breakthrough.

Orchestrating the high-stakes victory was court general Enen Raterta, who rightfully earned the Best Player of the Game honors. 

Raterta masterfully commanded the Health Insurers' offensive and defensive sets, racking up an impressive stat line of 7 points, 5 attacks, and 2 blocks to neutralize the BFP's seasoned defense. 

According to Raterta, their triumphant bounce-back in the semis was the product of deliberate execution: “Unang-una po yung training namin, nagbalik ulit kami sa basic—receive, service, and attack. Yun po talaga yung inuna namin para makabawi kami sa semis.”

This monumental victory officially sets up an explosive, full-circle showdown in the championship series. 

While this marks PhilHealth's debut appearance on the UVL's grandest stage, they will be clashing against a BFP Lady Firefighters squad that is no stranger to the pressure, having competed fiercely in last season’s finals. 

The script is now flipped, and Raterta's squad is primed to challenge the established order as they march forward into the championship round to go head-to-head once again.

The ultimate battle for supremacy begins on July 8, 2026 as BFP and PhilHealth collide in what promises to be an intense best-of-three Finals match, still hosted at the iconic Paco Arena. 

UVL fans can expect a spectacular display packed with huge spikes, relentless attacks, and monster blocks from both sides. 

Don't miss out on the action—visit the Paco Arena to watch live, or tune in to the UNTV Sports livestream on Facebook and YouTube to support your favorite public servants as they play for sports and charity!

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MANILA—The PNP Lady Patrollers locked in a crucial victory to close out the single round-robin semifinals of the UNTV Volleyball League (UVL) Season 4, downing the COMELEC Suffragettes in a high-stakes showdown at the Paco Arena on June 24. 

The Lady Patrollers bounced back from a first-set slip to dominate the next three frames, securing a 3-1 match victory with a final scoreline of 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 25-22. 

The victory proved absolutely vital for PNP, keeping their second championship aspirations alive in a must-win scenario where they would advance to the Finals if the BFP Lady Firefighters managed to defeat PhilHealth Health Insurers.

Pinky Salavante spearheaded the Patrollers' resurgence, displaying an unwavering "never say die" attitude that ultimately silenced the Suffragettes. 

Salavante took home the Best Player of the Game honors after delivering a stellar all-around performance consisting of 11 total points, built on 9 sharp attacks, 1 solid block, and an ace. 

Her leadership on the court proved to be the turning point that kept PNP’s frontline composed and lethal under pressure.

Reflecting on the team's gritty turnaround after dropping the opening set, Salavante shared their mindset: “Ang ginawa po namin, bumawi po kami nung second set syempre di po kami papayag na matatalo kami. So, ginawa po namin ang best namin para makaakyat po ng finals.” 

While the win serves as a major morale booster for the Patrollers, their rivalry with the Suffragettes is far from over. 

Both squads are already scheduled to meet again on the court on July 8, 2026 still at the Paco Arena for their highly anticipated "last dance" in the battle-for-third matchup.

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The Senate is reopening its inquiry into digital child safety on July 1 to scrutinize online radicalization among minors following a fatal school shooting in Tacloban City. 

Driven by the tragedy, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality will investigate whether online platforms and gaming spaces actively fail to prevent the spread of violent content and the grooming of minors. 

This upcoming session builds directly on the committee's April 14 investigation into how digital spaces are being exploited to manipulate children into violence.

Committee Chairperson Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized on June 23, that the probe will look into how online networks have turned into breeding grounds for brainwashing and radicalization. 

“Sa July 1, muli nating bubuksan ang pagdinig para alamin kung may papel ang mga online platforms sa pagkalat ng mararahas na ideya. Nagiging pugad ng mga grupong nambe-brainwash at nagra-radicalize sa mga bata.” Senator Hontiveros said.

Lawmakers are expanding their scope beyond violent extremism to address ongoing concerns regarding online sexual abuse, exploitation, and extortion targeting minors. 

The inquiry aims to establish whether tech giants are doing enough to police their environments or if they are letting corporate profits compromise user safety.

Hontiveros demanded accountability from Big Tech, asserting that platforms must be held liable if their systems facilitate the victimization of children. 

“Kung ginagamit ang internet para biktimahin ang mga bata, dapat may managot. Hindi pwedeng kita lang lagi ang iniisip ng Big Tech habang ang ating mga pamilya at paaralan ay nababalot ng trahedya.” Senator Hontiveros demanded.

The committee intends to determine whether current digital safeguards are sufficient to protect minors or if tougher legislative regulations are required. 

Ultimately, lawmakers are pressing authorities to enforce stricter online protections and intervene before another real-world tragedy occurs.

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