Jasha Gamao

MANILA—The Ombudsman Graftbusters preserved their unblemished record in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire encounter, clipping the PNP Responders, 70-62, in the UNTV Cup Season 12 elimination round on May 17, at the Paco Arena.

The Graftbusters relied on a suffocating defensive blueprint and steady execution down the stretch to weather a furious PNP rally and escape with the hard-fought victory.

Paul Ladia earned Best Player of the Game honors after orchestrating the Graftbusters' offense and anchoring their defensive line. 

While he finished with a modest 5 points, Ladia dominated the floor by filling the stat sheet with 7 rebounds, a staggering 12 assists, and 4 steals. 

His masterclass in playmaking culminated in a cold-blooded, clutch three-pointer in the crucial moment of the game, effectively crushing the Responders' comeback hopes and sealing the win.

Reflecting on the grit required to pull off the victory against a tough PNP squad, Ladia credited their collective trust and defensive focus for the comeback. 

“Tiniyaga lang namin sa depensa, then tiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa, nagtiwala kami sa sistema nila coach kaya kami nakahabol,” Ladia said in a post-game interview.

With the win, the Graftbusters keep their flawless campaign alive while sending a clear message to the rest of the league.

MANILA—The Judiciary Magis bounced back in spectacular way, surviving a fierce, hard-fought battle against the OP Bagong Pilipinas on May 17 at the Paco Arena. 

Desperate to shake off a previous loss, the Magis displayed relentless grit down the stretch to outlast their opponents in a thrilling showdown.

Chester Tolomia became the absolute man of the hour for the Judiciary, putting on a clinic when it mattered most. 

With the game hanging in the balance, Tolomia took matters into his own hands and silenced the opposition by sinking two massive 3-point daggers in crunch time to seal the victory. 

His late-game heroics earned him the well-deserved Best Player of the Game honors.

"Kasi galing kami sa talo kaya kailangan talaga namin ipakita ngayon and then we’re so thankful sa mga teammate ko lahat kami nag-performing maganda," Tolomia said after the game, praising his squad's collective effort to secure the bounce-back win. 

With this statement victory, the Magis prove they remain a dangerous force this season of UNTV Cup.

MANILA—The AFP Cavaliers extended their dominance in the UNTV Cup Season 12 elimination round, delivering an 86-61 beatdown against the GSIS Furies on May 17, at the Paco Arena. 

The Cavaliers asserted their willpower right from the opening tip-off, systematically dismantling the Furies' defense to secure a comfortable 25-point blowout. 

The victory stretches AFP’s winning streak to three games, while pinning the struggling GSIS squad to a third consecutive loss.

Gil Pagotaisidro left absolutely no doubt on the court, steering the wheel for the Cavaliers with an aggressive offensive display. 

The AFP powerhouse captured Best Player of the Game honors after racking up an efficient double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds, seasoned with 2 steals to anchoring the perimeter. 

His continuous attack inside the paint shattered the Furies' frontline, ensuring AFP maintained full control of the tempo throughout the four quarters.

Despite the explosive scoring, the Cavaliers credit their unblemished streak to strict defensive discipline. 

Pagotaisidro highlighted that adherence to the coaching staff's game plan made all the difference on the hardwood. 

“Always sinasabi ng aming coaches, always adjust defense kasi ang opensa naman is nandiyan, kahit sino sa amin pwede mag opensa ang pinaka-importante samin is mag adjust sa depensa, yun yung pinaka number 1 rule namin,” Pagotaisidro shared post-game. 

With their defensive identity locked in, the Cavaliers look unstoppable as they march forward in the tournament.

PASAY CITY—Newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano officially signed a letter today acknowledging receipt of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. 

This formal move sets the stage for the Senate to transform into an Impeachment Court on May 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. 

SP Cayetano confirmed that his office has processed all resolutions and supporting documents transmitted by the House of Representatives.

Senator Cayetano emphasized that the Senate is following "proper order" in accordance with the Constitution and the chamber’s specific rules on impeachment trials. 

He instructed the Senate Secretariat to fast-track the inclusion of the articles in the official calendar to ensure there are no delays. 

By prioritizing the case immediately, the Senate leadership aims to address the allegations with the urgency and procedural rigor required by law.

The Vice President has already been furnished with a copy of the signed notice as the Senate prepares to summon both parties. 

While the specific schedule for arguments and witness testimonies is still being finalized, the May 18 convening marks the official start of the judicial proceedings. 

All eyes now turn to the upper chamber as it prepares to exercise its sole power to try and decide the case against the nation’s second-highest official.

MANILA—The Malacañang Palace issued a scathing rebuttal on  May 14, dismissing Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intends to use charter change to extend his presidency. 

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro characterized the Vice President’s claims as "baseless and unsubstantiated," asserting that the administration remains focused on governance rather than political maneuvering. 

“Mas nakakahiya sa ngayon ang magkomento pa sa mga walang basehan at walang sustansyang pahayag ni VP Sara Duterte.” PCO Undersecretary Castro said.

The friction comes after the Vice President publicly linked the President's recent openness to constitutional reform noted in a Bloomberg interview to a direct plot to remain in power beyond his legal term.

Press Officer Castro did not mince words, urging for public servants to prioritize genuine service over the creation of political "intrigue and fake news." 

“Ang kailangan natin ay isang public servant na nagseserbisyo sa bayan at taumbayan at hindi yung ang alam lang ay gumawa ng intriga at fake news.” The Palace officer said.

The Palace’s aggressive stance signals a deepening rift between the nation's top two leaders, framing the Vice President’s warnings as a distraction from the country’s pressing needs.

Vice President Duterte’s original remarks suggested a domino effect starting with International Criminal Court (ICC) complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bato dela Rosa, ultimately culminating in a term-extending charter change. 

“Una niyan si Dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, sunod niyan si Senator Bato at kung sino pa man yung ibang mga sinali sa complaint diyan sa ICC. Ang sunod niyan ay charter change.” VP Duterte said.

She argued that the President could no longer deny these intentions after acknowledging that constitutional discussions are on the table. 

“Hindi naman na made-deny yan ni BBM kasi doon sa bago niyang interview sa bloomberg sinabi niya na noo na kailangan pag-usapan ang charter change. Pag pinag-usapan natin ang charter change ang ibig sabihin niyan hindi na yan bababa sa pwesto si BBM.” The Vice President added.