BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for June 4, 2026
Hostilities flare in Iran war, oil jumps with talks at a stalemate
5 countries elected to UN Security Council; Germany misses out
LNG Carrier Loads in UAE as Limited Shipping Activity Returns to Hormuz
U.S. administration proposes new tariffs for 60 countries
EU Proposes Naval Mission Leads Mine Clearing in Hormuz
Sherwin Gatchalian assumes acting Senate President post
PH loses bid for UN Security Council non-permanent seat
Obstruction of justice complaint filed vs. Alan Peter Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Mao Aplasca
2 cyclones may enter PAR this month
Angat water level receding despite rainfall
MMDA closing roads for June 12 rites
Visayas grid issues may last 1 to 2 years, says DOE
PH Church joins preparations for 500th anniversary of Guadalupe apparitions
Kaye Abad celebrates Cancer Survivors Month: ‘Here’s to life, second chances’
Cup of Joe’s historic solo stadium show is a ‘Sandali’ to remember
Megan Young helps Asia Rose Simpson with Miss World 2026 preps
Brownlee hits winner as Ginebra escapes TNT in Game 1
Galeries Tower makes Lams Lamina the No. 1 pick in 2026 PVL draft
Gilas Women end 3×3 World Cup campaign on high note with historic win over Italy
Important facts about your Digital National ID
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Hostilities flare in Iran war, oil jumps with talks at a stalemate
June 4 —— Gulf hostilities flared anew with the US military saying Iranian missile attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and other regional targets were either thwarted or failed, as diplomacy between Washington and Tehran showed little progress. Two Iranian missiles shot at Kuwait fell short or broke apart in flight, while several ballistic missiles aimed at regional targets failed and three missiles heading for Bahrain were intercepted, US Central Command said.
Since the conflict began in late February, Iran has repeatedly attacked targets in the Gulf region where US military bases are located. Central Command said the US military also downed Iranian drones targeting civilian ships in regional waters and US forces in Kuwait and carried out strikes on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz following attempted attacks by Iran.
According to Iranian state media, the country’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) attacked the US Fifth Fleet headquarters, located in Bahrain, as well as an airbase and helicopters in an unspecified regional country using missiles and drones in response to what the IRGC described as a US attack on a communications tower south of Qeshm. Central Command said all the attacks failed and that US forces remained ready to repel “unwarranted Iranian aggression.”
The latest flare-up, which lifted oil prices by more than 1% in early trade on Wednesday, comes more than three months after the initial US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with the conflict mired in a stalemate under a shaky ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz largely closed to maritime traffic. Iran and the US said last week that they had reached a tentative initial agreement to halt the war. But the two sides have yet to sign off on the deal.
Iranian media reported that Tehran has not communicated with Washington for several days, but US President Donald Trump said negotiations have not stopped. “The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today,” he said in a social media post.
Discussions on nuclear program
Since mid-March, Trump has repeatedly said he is close to a deal that would end the fighting and allow negotiators to tackle thorny issues including the future of Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has said stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is his top priority. Iran denies it is developing a nuclear bomb and says its atomic program is for peaceful purposes.
Tehran is seeking access to billions of dollars in oil revenues, waivers on crude exports, a lifting of a US blockade on its ports and continued leverage over the strait, which handled a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas traffic before the war. Iranian media said the IRGC’s navy targeted a vessel it identified as “Panaya” with missiles in response to what it said was a US attack on an Iranian tanker near Hormuz. “Disrupting the security of the Strait of Hormuz will carry a heavy price for the US military,” Iranian media cited the IRGC as saying.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Tuesday that the US would agree to sanctions relief only if Iran agrees to give up its nuclear activity. Rubio declared, “The war is over,” during a sharp exchange with Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who disagreed.
Israel keeps up strikes in Lebanon
The war that began on February 28 has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, while also causing global economic pain by pushing up energy prices. It also triggered the latest round of conflict between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, with Israel pursuing its deepest incursion into Lebanon in 25 years.
Source: rappler.com
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5 countries elected to UN Security Council; Germany misses out
June 4 —— The United Nations General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to the 15-member UN Security Council for two-year terms starting on January 1, 2027. Germany, which had lobbied hard for a seat, came third for the two places contested by the Western European and Others Group, with 104 votes, against 134 for Portugal and 131 for Austria.
The contest between the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan for the seat for the Asia-Pacific Group went to four rounds of voting, with Kyrgyzstan eventually achieving the necessary two-thirds majority and securing its first-ever Security Council seat by 142 votes to 49. The Security Council is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions such as imposing sanctions and authorizing the use of force. It has five permanent veto-wielding members: Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States.
The remaining 10 members are elected, with five new members joining every year. This year, one comes from the Africa Group, one from the Latin American and Caribbean Group, one from the Asia-Pacific Group, and two from the Western European and Others Group.
Zimbabwe will replace Somalia, and Trinidad and Tobago will replace Panama, while Portugal and Austria will replace Denmark and Greece. Kyrgyzstan will replace Pakistan. Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, and Liberia will continue to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council until the end of 2027.
On Tuesday, June 2, the General Assembly elected Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as president of the 193-member body for its 81st session, which begins in September.
Source: rappler.com
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MARITIME NEWS
LNG Carrier Loads in UAE as Limited Shipping Activity Returns to Hormuz
June 4 —— Two tankers carrying oil products exited the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, while a liquefied natural gas carrier loaded cargo in the United Arab Emirates, shipping data showed – rare movements as traffic through the chokepoint remains limited.
Several tankers have managed to leave the Gulf in the past month, but oil and LNG flows are still severely constrained by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28. About a fifth of global oil and LNG supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Aframax tanker Cy Victorious, carrying at least 80,000 metric tons (over 508,000 barrels) of high-sulphur straight-run fuel oil, exited the strait on May 30, ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG showed. The vessel last loaded at Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port in early April and is expected to reach Malaysia in the second half of June.
Another Long-Range 2 tanker Sti Elysees, loaded with clean products from Kuwait in late February, exited the strait on May 29, according to Kpler data. Its destination is unclear.
Fluctuating Hopes
Meanwhile, the Marigold LNG tanker, managed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), loaded a cargo at UAE’s Das Island on May 24-25, analytics firm Vortexa said. “The vessel halted AIS transmissions on 3 May before a ‘dark’ inbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz,” Vortexa said in a report on Monday. AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is used to track ships’ locations, and some vessels turn it off when trying to cross the strait.
“It is the last of a group of four ADNOC-controlled steam carriers, which all turned AIS off, to cross Hormuz westwards to reload. The other three – Mraweh, Al Hamra and Umm Al Ashtan – have already made their subsequent ‘dark’ outbound transits of the chokepoint,” Vortexa said. Kpler data showed the Marigold was last seen east of the strait on May 1, but had loaded at Das Island on May 25.
ADNOC declined to comment on the position, movements or routing of its vessels, citing company policy.
Separately, four ballast LNG tankers have recently moved towards the eastern entrance of the strait and are holding positions there, according to Vortexa, Kpler and LSEG data. The vessels arrived near their current positions on May 30-31, said Ashley Sherman, senior LNG analyst at Vortexa. While such movements are not unprecedented, they reflect fluctuating hopes for a reopening of the strait and a broader peace deal, he added.
The Al Hamra returned towards the strait after delivering a cargo from Das Island to India last week. Al Areesh, Al Khuwair and Al Marrouna – all controlled by QatarEnergy – began moving from waters off India and Sri Lanka towards the strait around May 25-27.
QatarEnergy did not respond to a request for comment.
Source: marinelink.com
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U.S. administration proposes new tariffs for 60 countries
June 4 —— The U.S. administration has proposed new tariffs of 10% or more on trading partners following an investigation into countries importing goods allegedly produced using forced labor.
On 2 June, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said it had identified 60 economies that had failed to “impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor,” describing the situation as a burden on U.S. commerce. “This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field. We will no longer tolerate this disparity,” USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer said in the document.
The tariff proposal is currently open for public comment and review and is not yet in effect. The 60 trading partners listed – including the UK, the EU, Canada, India and Japan – account for almost all of the goods sold to the US.
It is the second time President Donald Trump’s administration has announced new import taxes since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of his previous duties in February. On 20 February, the Court ruled that the president had overstepped his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) last year. Trump has argued that tariffs are necessary to reduce the U.S. trade deficit, the gap by which imports exceed exports.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has also proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Brazil, citing concerns over what it describes as unfair trade practices.
The announcement, made by USTR Jamieson Greer, follows an investigation initiated in July and covers issues including digital trade, illegal deforestation, ethanol market access, and anti-corruption enforcement.
Last year, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil, a move widely linked to objections over the prosecution of his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro, in connection with efforts to overturn his 2022 electoral defeat.
According to a 107-page report released by the U.S. Department of Commerce, trade practices between the two countries are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce, with references also made to Brazil’s trade agreements with Mexico and India.
The proposed tariffs would be imposed under Section 301 of U.S. trade law, which allows for trade sanctions in response to violations of agreements or what the U.S. deems unfair trade practices under the Trade Act of 1974.
Source: safety4sea.com
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EU Proposes Naval Mission Leads Mine Clearing in Hormuz
June 4 —— The European Union has proposed that the bloc’s Aspides naval mission take “the primary role” in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz “when conditions allow” as part of a Franco-British-led initiative, according to a document seen by Reuters.
The European External Action Service wrote in a note dated May 26 and sent to member states that “the situation requires the Union to provide a meaningful contribution” to a coalition led by France and Britain “to be materialized once conditions allow and separated from the belligerents”.
Changing the Aspides mission’s mandate would require unanimity, and it remains unclear if the EU’s 27 member countries would back such a change. The mission was established in 2024 to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebel group in the Red Sea.
‘IMMENSE’ CONSEQUENCES OF DE FACTO CLOSURE OF STRAIT
Around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that effectively closed after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
Hostilities flared again on Wednesday as Iranian attacks on Kuwait damaged its airport and injured dozens while the U.S. military carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, with diplomacy to halt the war showing little sign of progress. The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has “immense shared consequences for the region and Europe, with Iran selectively allowing passage,” the EU’s diplomatic arm wrote in its note.
France and Britain have taken the lead in putting together a coalition of countries that could help ensure safe transit through the Strait once the situation there stabilizes or the conflict is resolved. It is unclear if Iran has placed mines in the waterway.
The EU’s diplomatic service said that a European contribution would serve “to showcase EU-wide ownership and responsibility in addressing a situation affecting all Member States” and “vis-a-vis NATO Allies”. An Aspides role would also “allow all Member States to financially support, via the Operation’s common costs, those willing and able to contribute,” it wrote.
Source: marinelink.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Sherwin Gatchalian assumes acting Senate President post
June 4 —— Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore after the Senate reconvened Wednesday, paving the way for the minority bloc-led senators in attendance to declare him the acting Senate President.
Gatchalian was installed Wednesday after the upper chamber reached a quorum following the appearance of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. As the new Senate President Pro Tempore, Gatchalian replaced Senator Loren Legarda. Escudero was the only majority bloc member who attended the plenary session, breaking the two consecutive days the Senate did not hold session due to the majority bloc’s continued absence.
Gatchalian presided over the session and called for the Senate secretary to call the roll. When the secretary refused, Gatchalian directed the deputy secretary for legislation to do the same. He then declared a quorum with 12 senators present. Following this, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto moved to declare all elected positions of the Senate vacant. With no objections, the motion was approved.
Sotto made a motion to proceed with the election of the Senate President Pro Tempore, then nominated Gatchalian to the post. Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri seconded the motion. “Duly seconded, the motion is approved. Thank you dear colleagues,” Gatchalian said. Zubiri was then elected as chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules.
Once elected, Zubiri moved to proceed with Gatchalian’s oathtaking. He took his oath before Sotto. Zubiri later declared that Gatchalian serve as the acting Senate President. “Let the record reflect that the chair, as Senate President Pro Tempore, shall serve as acting President pursuant to Rule 5… presiding officer of the Senate pursuant to Rule 5, Section 14(c) and 5 of the Rules of the Senate,” he said. Aside from the new committee chairmanships, the Senate also elected Ray Bantug Jr. as the Senate secretary and retired Police Major General Alfredo Sotto Corpus as the Sergeant-At-Arms.
Convening the Senate
Gatchalian said they were “compelled” to convene the Senate, stressing that Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano was absent from the two previously scheduled sessions. “The chair would like to state for the record that we are compelled to call the session to order today. After the Senate adjourned on May 26, 2026, session was scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1, 2026 and on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 but the former Senate President failed to appear in both instances,” Gatchalian said.
He also cited Article 6, Section 16(5) of the Constitution, which states that neither House shall adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other House. “The Senate has been adjourned and unable to resume session for the past two days, placing us on the brink of constitutional violation had we not convened today,” he said. “Thus, in the absence of a duly consulted postponement and the continued absence of the former Senate President, former Senate President Pro Tempore and members of the majority, we are compelled to call the session to order,” he added.
Quorum
According to Gatchalian, the quorum of 12 senators is based on the majority of 22 senators. He cited a ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) that found that an absolute majority of 12 out of 23 members could constitute a constitutional majority for quorum purposes. “And with precedent, specifically the May 5, 2015 session where the quorum was based on 17 available senators with seven others beyond the Senate’s coercive jurisdiction,” Gatchalian said.
Not a political contest
For his part, Escudero said he was not taking sides, but was taking a stand for the Senate. “My allegiance is not to any faction, personality, group or alliance. This is not about loyalty, betrayal, or choosing one group over the other—this is about duty,” Escudero said in a statement. He said that the impasse is “untenable and unacceptable.” “Hindi ito usaping pampulitika. Wala akong sinasamahan o iniiwanang grupo, pangkat o paksyon. Hindi ko sinasabi na may mali o tama o may nagkulang o nagmalabis kaninuman,” he said. “Ngunit hindi pwedeng manatili tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ang naaapektuhan na ay ang mismong kakayahan ng Senado na gampanan ang kaniyang tungkulin sa bayan,” he added.
Palace recognizes
Meanwhile, Zubiri also moved to inform President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the House of Representatives of Gatchalian’s election as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President. Malacañang said it recognizes the leadership change in the Senate. “Ang nangyari sa Senado ngayong hapon ay naaayon sa batas at Rule of Law,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing shortly after Gatchalian took his oath as new Senate President Pro Tempore, replacing Senator Loren Legarda. “Kinikilala at nirerespeto ng Palasyo ang desisyon ng bagong mayorya at ang liderato ni acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian,” she added.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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PH loses bid for UN Security Council non-permanent seat
MANILA, Philippines, June 4 —— The Philippines did not secure the non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The Philippines was up against Kyrgyzstan for the lone seat in the Asia-Pacific region.
The voting of the UN General Assembly, which took place on Wednesday, June 3 (Philippine time), saw Kyrgyzstan initially listing a 105-85 win in the first round, 110-81 in the second round, and 123-68 in the third round. A candidate in the country needed to secure two-thirds of the 190 voting members for the Asia-Pacific group, or at least 128 votes.
Kyrgyzstan nailed it in the fourth round of voting with 142 votes against the Philippines’ 49. Kyrgyzstan will begin its term on January 1, 2027.
The UNSC consists of 15 members. Five of these are permanent, with veto power, while 10 are non-permanent members. Its primary role is to maintain international peace and security.
The Philippines last served on the council in 2004-2005. Last March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the UNGA to make a pitch for the country’s candidature to the council.
Source: manilatimes.net
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Obstruction of justice complaint filed vs. Alan Peter Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Mao Aplasca
June 4 —— Opposition coalition Tindig Pilipinas and rights groups on Wednesday trooped to the Office of the Ombudsman and filed a complaint for obstruction of justice against Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Robin Padilla and suspended acting Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca over the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate.
Complainants Francis Joseph “Kiko” Aquino Dee, Sylvia Estrada Claudio, Cielo Magno, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, and Randy delos Santos, the uncle of slain teenager Kian delos Santos, among others, were referring to the Senate shooting incident that transpired while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was under protective custody of the Senate.
“The rule of law requires accountability. Public office must never be used as a shield against justice. When officials use their positions to frustrate lawful processes and protect their allies from accountability, they betray the public trust and undermine our democratic institutions,” Aquino Dee said. “The pursuit of justice for grave crimes is consistent with the country’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights. The Office of the Ombudsman should conduct an impartial investigation and ensure that public officials who obstruct justice are held accountable under the law,” the complainants added in a statement.
Other complainants include Judy Ann Chan Miranda of Partido Manggagawa, Susan Balindo of Baigani Feminist Collective, Eugene Gonzalez and Yvonne Jereza of Magdalo Party, Matthew Silverio of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Venus Crisostomo of Youth Resist, and Pinky Tam.
GMA News Online asked Cayetano, Padilla, and Aplasca for comment, but they have yet to issue statements as of posting time. Gunshots rang out at the Senate on the evening of May 13 while the building was placed on lockdown. It was a day after National Bureau of Investigation operatives attempted to serve a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court on dela Rosa in connection with the crimes against humanity case filed against former president Rodrigo Duterte for the extrajudicial killings during his administration’s war on drugs. Aplasca fired warning shots at the Senate’s glass windows.
Cayetano said then that the Senate was “allegedly under attack.” Dela Rosa left the Senate with Padilla early Tuesday, hours after the shooting incident. Dela Rosa has not seen it since then. Asked for comment, Department of Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said the DOJ’s probe will proceed independently of any other investigation. “The panel remains open to receiving any evidence that may assist in its investigation,” Martinez said in a message to reporters. “Its findings, however, will be based on its own independent assessment of the evidence submitted to it and gathered in the course of its investigation,” he added.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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2 cyclones may enter PAR this month
MANILA, Philippines, June 4 —— Two tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this month, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said the cyclones may move closer to Eastern Visayas and Bicol. As the weather systems enter PAR, these will move northwestward and to Southern Tagalog and may make landfall either in Metro Manila or Central Luzon. Once they enter PAR, the cyclones will be given the names of Esther and Francisco, PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, a low-pressure area has been spotted outside PAR, but it has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours. PAGASA said the southwest monsoon or habagat would bring occasional rains over Bataan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Zambales. Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms will prevail in the Cordilleras, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the rest of Ilocos and Central Luzon as well as Metro Manila.
Source: philstar.com
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Angat water level receding despite rainfall
SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan, Philippines, June 4 —— The water level in Angat Dam in Bulacan has continued to recede despite heavy rainfall in the past several days. Data from the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office showed that the reservoir’s elevation was 172.07 meters as of 6 a.m. yesterday. The elevation was down by 35 centimeters from the previous day’s 172.42 meters.
The figure was 7.93 meters below Angat’s minimum operating level of 180 meters, and lower by 39.93 meters than the dam’s normal high-water level of 212 meters. The dam is the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila households. It provides additional hydro power to the Luzon grid as well as irrigation supply to rice farms in Bulacan and parts of Pampanga. Amid the receding water elevation in Angat and other dams in Central Luzon as well as the threat of El Niño, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Central Luzon has prepared mitigation plans for rice farms in the region.
Christian Manalo, NIA-Central Luzon director, said among these plans are rotational water delivery and adjustment of the cropping calendar and planting pattern based on the weather pattern. Manalo said farmers have been encouraged to plant rice varieties that mature early and to look for alternative sources of irrigation water like shallow tube wells. The NIA said it is coordinating with local government units and concerned agencies to address the problem.
Source: philstar.com
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MMDA closing roads for June 12 rites
MANILA, Philippines, June 4 —— Several roads leading to Rizal Park in Manila will be closed on June 12 in observance of the 128th Independence Day celebration, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday.
The MMDA said motorists would not be allowed to use both northbound and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Buendia Avenue to P. Burgos Drive from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
A six-hour road closure will be implemented on Roxas Boulevard from Buendia Avenue to Anda Circle, Bonifacio Drive from P. Burgos Drive to Anda Circle and T.M. Kalaw and P. Burgos Drive from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard.
The MMDA advised motorists to take alternative routes.
Source: philstar.com
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Visayas grid issues may last 1 to 2 years, says DOE
MANILA, Philippines, June 4 —— The Visayas grid may continue facing supply problems for the next 1 to 2 years as new power plants and transmission facilities catch up with rising demand, the Department of Energy said.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said at a DOE press briefing that the agency is moving to secure temporary supply for the region after repeated yellow and red alerts in recent weeks exposed the grid’s thin reserves. “On the Visayas side, this will be a prolonged problem,” Garin said at a press conference Monday, June 1.
Garin explained that synchronizing the completion of power plants and transmission is difficult. Some plants take three to five years to complete, leaving the region with a near-term supply gap even as projects are already in the pipeline. “That is why we will bring in temporary energy supply so that for the next year or two, the Visayas will have reserves,” she said in Filipino.
Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said the Visayas was the DOE’s main concern among the three grids. He said demand can reach more than 2,700 megawatts during peak hours, while supply can fall as low as 2,044 MW. Marasigan said the Visayas grid had been placed under 17 yellow alerts and four red alerts between May 12 and June 1.
The recent strain has been driven by unavailable plants, including Therma Visayas Units 1 and 2, Panay Energy Development Corp. Unit 3 and Kepco-Salcon Power Corp. Unit 2, according to the DOE. Marasigan said Kepco Unit 2 was expected to return on Tuesday, June 2, while PEDC Unit 3 may return by July 3. Therma Visayas Units 1 and 2 are expected back only in late August.
Need for reserves
Garin said the Visayas has a high share of renewable energy, at around 45% compared with the national average of 25% but still needs more steady sources of power. “That is good news, but it also has to have more support from steady sources, because when it is raining there is no solar, and when there is no wind, there is no wind power,” Garin said. “What the Visayas needs more of is what we call mid-merit and baseload energy,” she added.
Marasigan said the DOE is looking at power barges, diesel power barges, modular gensets and battery energy storage systems to stabilize supply. He said the agency needs at least 150 MW to improve reserves in the Visayas and has written the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines on possible direct negotiation for ancillary services.
The Energy department’s warning points to a supply problem that is no longer just a heat-season squeeze. For the Visayas, the immediate fix may be temporary capacity. The durable fix will depend on whether enough firm power, storage and transmission can arrive before the next round of alerts.
Source: philstar.com
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PH Church joins preparations for 500th anniversary of Guadalupe apparitions
June 4 —— The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that local churches are taking part in the preparations for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the apparations of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
“In the spirit of our fraternal bonds with the bishops of Mexico, the CBCP has expressed its commitment to the Conferencia Episcopado Mexicano in particiapting in the Novena Intercontinental Guadalupana. This nine-year preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Guadalupe apparations in 2031 was inaugurated by the late Pope Francis on December 12, 2022,” said CBCP Gilbert Garcera in the Pastoral Exhortation on the visit of the Madre Peregrina de Guadalupe image from Mexico to the Philippines.
“Its objective is to promote a renewed encounter with God through the Our Lady of Guadalupe, seeking new paths to revive faith in order to celebrate 500 years of the Guadalupan Event,” he added.
Garcera further said the CBCP received the invitation of the bishops of Mexico in 2025 to participate in the global novena. He added that the bishops have committed the participation of Guadalupe shrines in the country undr the guidance of the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines until the year 2031.
With this commitment, a replica of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and an image of St. Juan Diego will be brought to churches in the different parts of the country from June 13, 2026, to December 12, 2026, as part of global efforts to spread the devotion. It can be recalled that from December 9 to12 in 1531, a glowing young woman appeared before Juan Diego in present-day Mexico City identifying herself as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
This apparition was confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV through the Sacred Congregation of Rites in 1754, which granted permission to celebrate Mass and Office for the Our Lady of Gudalupe on December 12. The bishops also announced that the act of consecration and entrustment to Our Lady of Guadalupe will be recited in all Masses in the churches that the image will be visiting. “His Eminence, Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila lovingly gave the image of the title Madre Peregrina de Guadalupe, emphasizing the Virgin Mary’s role as a visiting mother as she visited her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56),” said Garcera. “During her visit to churches across our nation, we are called by Our Lady of Guadalupe to consecrate ourselves to her as our Blessed Mother,” he added.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Kaye Abad celebrates Cancer Survivors Month: ‘Here’s to life, second chances’
June 4 —— Kaye Abad marked Cancer Survivors Month by honoring fellow cancer survivors and reflecting on her own journey after recently revealing that she is now cancer-free.
Abad took to Instagram on Wednesday, June 3, to share a photo of herself in a patterned swimsuit where she stood with arms outstretched in front of a waterfall as she shared a message of hope for people battling cancer. “It’s cancer survivors’ month. We celebrate every survivor, every scar, every silent battle, every tear, every prayer, and every victory,” she wrote. “What we went through was never easy, but here we are… still fighting, still standing, still choosing hope.”
The actress also weighed in on the role of faith during such a journey, telling fellow survivors that their “strength inspires more people than they realize.” “Through it all, let’s always remember that God is there; holding our hands during the hardest days, giving us strength when we feel weak. Never lose faith!”she expressed it. “Here’s to life, healing, courage, and second chances. Let’s continue to fight together. We are strong. We are survivors,” concluded the actress.
Abad first opened up about her cancer battle in a birthday vlog uploaded on May 17, where she revealed that she had spent more than a year fighting breast cancer before eventually being declared cancer-free. The “ConMom” actress shared that her health ordeal started in September 2024 after she experienced severe stomach pain, which she initially thought was hyperacidity.
Abad said she and her husband, Paul Jake Castillo, later traveled to Singapore for treatment after a stomach ultrasound later revealed she had multiple gallstones. After more than a year of treatment, the actress said her doctor finally informed her that she was already cancer-free.
Source: inquirer.net
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Cup of Joe’s historic solo stadium show is a ‘Sandali’ to remember
June 4 —— Original Pilipino Music (OPM) pop-rock sensation Cup of Joe turned its first solo stadium concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan into a “sandali” that would be etched in the hearts of both the band and its fans, affectionately known as Joewahs.
Just minutes after the band finished soundcheck for their sold-out “Sandali: The Cup of Joe Fest” last May 23, a sudden thunderstorm swept through the venue, forcing some fans to take shelter. Others embraced the moment, staying in their seats, getting soaked and even frolicking in the rain.
Concert director Paolo Valenciano said the downpour caused nearly a two-hour delay and posed risks to technical equipment, but the patience and positivity of the fans lifted the crew spirits. In many ways, unexpected rain became a fitting prelude to a show built around themes of water, waiting and weathering storms. Fans even referenced lyrics from the band’s song Bagyo, which Cup of Joe performed during soundcheck.
Unlike a typical opening, the quintet of Gian Bernardino, Rapha Ridao, Gab Fernandez, CJ Fernandez and Xen Gareza left the audience guessing where they would emerge from as they made a dramatic arrival on motorbikes from the stadium’s entrance. Dressed in sailor-inspired outfits, vocalists Gian and Rapha blasted water cannons across the venue, launching straight into Sandali, instantly turning the rain-soaked stadium into a full-scale water festival. The energy carried through performances of Pamahiin, Patutunguhan and Misteryoso, with the crowd singing every word back to the band.
The concert was structured around water-inspired chapters: “Alon,” “Agos,” “Ambon,” “Ulan” and “Unos,” each reflecting challenges, dreams and milestones that brought the group to its biggest stage yet. Performing before an estimated crowd of 20,000 to 25,000 fans, Cup of Joe became the first Filipino act to mount a solo concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium, a venue that has mostly hosted major K-pop acts. “Wow! Nandito na tayo sa Philippine Sports Stadium! This is a manifestation of everything we’ve been dreaming of,” Gian told the crowd.
Rapha echoed the sentiment as he reflected on the band’s beginnings. “Mula sa mga batang musikero from Baguio na nangarap na maibahagi ang songs nila sa buong mundo, isang malaking achievement ang maging kauna-unahang Filipino act na makapag-perform sa ganito kalaking venue.” The night also became a celebration of OPM, with collaborations from OPM icons and surprise appearances that drew some of the loudest reactions of the evening.
Bamboo energized the stadium with Hallelujah and Kisapmata, while Jay Contreras of Kamikazee brought high energy with Narda. Ely Buendia followed with iconic performances of Alapaap and Ang Huling El Bimbo, spanning generations of Filipino music fans. Midway through the show, each member showcased a different side of their musical personality. Lead guitarist Gab leaned into pop nostalgia with Justin Bieber’s One Time and One Less Lonely Girl, while Rapha delivered rock covers of All Time Low’s Dear Maria, Count Me In and the Jonas Brothers’ Burnin’ Up.
Rhythm guitarist CJ hyped the crowd as he performed Pahinga with Al James. Keyboardist Xen transformed the stadium into a sea of lights with Coldplay’s Yellow, while Gian delivered a soulful rendition of Michael Bublé’s Feeling Good, joined by Maki and Will Ashley. The nostalgia continued as Rapha and Gab revisited their former band, Pink Soda, with a performance of 5 Seconds of Summer’s Voodoo Doll, while Gian, Xen and CJ revived Pink Penoy Club for a rendition of Itchyworms’ Beer. The band then returned to their original catalog, performing hits and tracks from their new EP, including Multo, Pahina, Bubog x Sagada, Lalayo and Isang Daan, highlighting their growth as artists and songwriters.
Before performing Tingin, Gian shared how meaningful the song had become over the years. “Kahit saan man kami dalhin ng kantang ’to, sa inyo lang lagi ang tingin namin.” A fan later joined them onstage to sing Janine Teñoso’s parts, making the moment even more special. Despite hours of singing, dancing, and rain, the energy inside the stadium never dipped. The crowd remained loud and engaged until the very end.
For the encore, Cup of Joe returned with Tataya, Sinderela, and a reprise of Sandali. Capping off the night, the members jumped into the onstage pool and splashed around in glee and gratitude. They were later caught on camera taking a “sandali” and gazing up at the fireworks-lit sky, seemingly sharing a quiet “we made it” moment while reflecting on how far their journey had come. There are fireworks after the rain, after all.
Source: philstar.com
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Megan Young helps Asia Rose Simpson with Miss World 2026 preps
June 4 —— Reigning Miss World Philippines Asia Rose Simpson got another boost for her bid to secure the country’s second win in the Miss World pageant by getting the support of the first Filipino woman to bring home the crown, Megan Young.
The 18-year-old national titleholder met up with the actress and 2013 Miss World queen, so far, the only winner from the Philippines, to pick up pointers for her coming international competition. “She truly CARES and she absolutely proved that fact, not only by meeting with my family and I, but by the way she broke down details of my strengths and weaknesses,” Simpson posted on social media.
“From my social media, make up, work out, skin care, wardrobe, and everything else in between–she was intentional about showing and guiding me in each step,” she added. Simpson had also picked up tips from 2018 Miss Universe and 2016 Miss World Top 5 finalist Catriona Gray during a meeting arranged for the two of them in April.
The teen queen said Young had already inspired her and her family even before the encounter, and that inspiration grew even bigger after they met the beauty queen-actress. Simpson is on a mission to win the “blue crown” for the Philippines at the 73rd Miss World pageant, the 75th anniversary edition of the international competition, in Vietnam in September. Young had also provided invaluable pieces of advice to Simpson’s predecessor Krishnah Gravidez, who posted a Top 8 finish in the 2025 Miss World pageant and received the Miss World Asia title.
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
Brownlee hits winner as Ginebra escapes TNT in Game 1
MANILA, Philippines, June 4 —— Barangay Ginebra drew first blood in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after escaping TNT, 102-100, on a game-winner from Justin Brownlee on Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Brownlee hit the go-ahead basket with less than a second remaining, leaving the Tropang 5G with little time to respond in the series opener. “It’s just a matter of trying to get the ball into Justin’s hands,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “He went and did his thing. It’s not the first time he’s done that in his career. It was the same play where he made ‘The Shot’ when we beat Meralco for our 2016 championship.”
TNT tried to get a shot off on the ensuing possession with 0.6 seconds on the clock, but Calvin Oftana was unable to do so with Brownlee hounding him on defense.
Brownlee finished with 23 points and eight assists in the Gin Kings’ victory. But Ginebra also got clutch contributions from RJ Abarrientos, who drained two four-pointers in the final two minutes. He also led the Gin Kings with 24 points and seven assists.
Ginebra, which led by as many as 18 points, had to fend off a furious TNT comeback after controlling most of the game. The Gin Kings were still up by nine, 88-79, before the Tropang 5G unloaded a 12-0 run capped by a Rey Nambatac triple with 5:28 left to take a 91-88 lead. Ginebra responded with a 12-6 counterattack to regain control, 100-97, highlighted by Abarrientos’ second four-pointer with 20 seconds remaining.
Roger Pogoy then tied the game at 100-all to give TNT a chance, but it only set the stage for another clutch moment from Ginebra’s longtime import. Troy Rosario and Scottie Thompson added 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the Gin Kings. Chris McCullough turned in a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds in the TNT defeat. Pogoy had 22, Nambatac scored 19 and the duo of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana registered 12 points each.
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 102 – Abarrientos 24, Brownlee 23, Rosario 16, Thompson 15, Cu 9, J. Aguilar 7, Gray 6, Torres 2, Holt 0, Pinto 0, Go 0.
TNT 100 – McCullough 25, Pogoy 22, Nambatac 19, Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Oftana 12, Heading 5, Khobuntin 5, Castro 0, Aurin 0, Williams 0, Quitevis 0.
Quarters: 30-25; 57-44; 79-72; 102-100.
Source: sports.inquirer.net
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Galeries Tower makes Lams Lamina the No. 1 pick in 2026 PVL draft
June 4 —— AFTER weeks of twists, withdrawals and uncertainty atop the draft board, Galeries Tower finally found its franchise setter in Lams Lamina.
The Highrisers selected the former National University playmaker with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft on Wednesday, ending a process that saw the top of the class dramatically reshaped in the days leading up to draft night. Lamina emerged as the top selection after her former college teammate and consensus No. 1 prospect Alyssa Solomon and University of the Philippines star Niña Ytang pulled out of the PVL draft one after the other.
Those withdrawals left Galeries Tower practically choosing between two of the most accomplished players remaining in the pool: Lamina and University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito. Pepito will now be the one to reunite with last year’s No. 1 selection Bella Belen, her former elementary school teammate, at Capital1 after being drafted second overall.
On the other hand, Far Eastern University playmaker Tin Ubaldo joins the likes of Deanna Wong and Alina Bicar as Choco Mucho’s third overall pick while Mapua’s Nicole Ong became the highest-drafted NCAA standout in three years as ZUS Coffee’s fourth overall selection.
Strange Akari move
Akari took an unprecedented route by passing in Round 1, making no picks in tonight’s draft.
UAAP wingers Irah Jaboneta and Jonna Perdido then wound up fifth and sixth at Nxled and Farm Fresh, respectively, ahead of Perpetual setter Fianne Ariola being PLDT’s seventh pick and Barbie Jamili the eighth selection for Creamline. From there, only three more draftees were to be selected in Capital1’s Khy Cepada (9th), Galeries Tower’s Ann Asis (10th) and Akari’s Ela Raagas (11th).
In what had become a projected tossup between the elite setter and the decorated defensive specialist, the Highrisers opted to bring in one of the sport’s most elite young playmakers at 24 years old.
A multiple-time Best Setter awardee across the UAAP and Shakey’s Super League, Lamina served as the architect of National U’s modern-day dynasty, directing an offense that captured multiple championships during her stay at Jhocson. Now, she takes on the challenge of running a Galeries Tower squad eager to take the next step in the PVL.
Source: spin.ph
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Gilas Women end 3×3 World Cup campaign on high note with historic win over Italy
June 4 —— Though the Philippines fell short of advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women still achieved a historic breakthrough by securing their first-ever victory on the global stage—an important result as the team builds toward the 2027 edition of the tournament in Singapore.
The Filipinas ended their campaign on a high note, defeating Italy, 17-13, on Wednesday evening (Manila time) at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland. The victory marked the Philippines’ first win in FIBA 3×3 World Cup history after going winless in its previous appearance during the 2018 edition held in Bulacan.
Camille Clarin, playing in just her third tournament since recovering from an ACL injury suffered last year, led the way with eight points, all coming from beyond the arc. Afril Bernardino contributed four points and six rebounds, while Mikka Cacho and Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in three and two points, respectively.
Holding a slim 11-10 advantage with 2:14 remaining, the Philippines created separation through back-to-back baskets from Cacho and Bernardino. Bernardino then traded baskets with Maria Miccoli and Caterina Gilli before Clarin buried her fourth two-pointer of the game to seal the historic win with just 20 seconds left.
Earlier in the day, the Filipinas were officially eliminated from knockout-stage contention following a 20-12 loss to tournament powerhouse China. Dela Rosa and Bernardino scored four points apiece in the defeat, but China’s cohesion and experience proved too much to overcome. Wang Lili posted seven points and seven rebounds for China, while Li Yuyan added five points. Zhang Zhiting and Li Wenxia finished with four points each.
The Philippines opened its campaign with losses to Latvia, 14-11, and Germany, 22-10.
Germany swept Pool C to advance directly to the quarterfinals, while Latvia (3-1) and China (2-2) moved on to the play-in round. Italy finished at the bottom of the group standings.
The Scores:
First Game:
China 20 – Wang 7, Li Y. 5, Zhang 4, Li W. 4.
Philippines 12 – Dela Rosa 4, Bernardino 4, Clarin 2, Cacho 2.Games
Second Game:
Philippines 17 – Clarin 8, Bernardino 4, Cacho 3, Dela Rosa 2.
Italy 13 – Gilli 9, Miccoli 3, Palmieri 1, Caloro 0.
Source: tiebreakertimes.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
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