Summary
Highlights
Commuters on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City experienced significant difficulties finding transportation on Monday morning after a long holiday weekend. Vehicles were full, leading to passengers running to catch rides, with some even hanging onto jeeps. Traffic enforcers were present to manage the situation and direct commuters to proper loading areas. The westbound lane towards elliptical road was also experiencing traffic buildup.
Several cities experienced severe flooding over the weekend due to heavy rains brought by the Easterlies, warm winds from the Pacific Ocean. In Valenzuela, a car was swept away by floodwaters into a creek in Barangay Bignay. Floodwaters in Barangay Paso de Blas reached chest-deep, with garbage floating in the dark water. Some residents even took to playing in the dirty floodwaters. Similar flooding and waste accumulation were reported in Laguna and Calamba. Local officials mentioned plans to address the recurring flood problem, including improving drainage systems.
Senator Ping Lacson urged Senator Allan Peter Cayetano to avoid creating chaos and to resolve their differences in the plenary rather than on social media. Senator Joel Villanueva confirmed his attendance if a special session of Congress were called, emphasizing the importance of public service. The possibility of a special session arose after Congress adjourned, with the new Senate Majority pushing for it to pass urgent bills. Lacson hopes all senators will attend a special session to address the Senate Leadership issue, expressing concerns about Cayetano's potential to disrupt proceedings given his past actions.
In a social media post, Senator Allan Peter Cayetano stated that his pursuit of the Senate Presidency was not for power but to uncover the truth about questionable flood control projects. He alleged that some individuals were attempting to cover up a flood control scandal and were even pushing for charter change to bury the issue, urging the public to be aware of the extent of corruption in these projects. Cayetano implied that strategic moves were being made to distract from the flood control scandal and shift blame.
Following the tragic death of Ateneo Men's Basketball player Rene Baterbonia, Ateneo de Davao University, Rene's high school alma mater, is providing scholarships to his six siblings. This gesture honors Rene's dream of providing education for his family. His high school teammates paid tribute through song during his public viewing. Artists in his hometown of Agusan del Sur created a mural in his honor. Ateneo Men's Basketball head coach Tab Baldwin apologized to the families of Baterbonia and Divine Adile, explaining his delayed statement was due to the university handling institutional matters. Rene's mother expressed that an apology was insufficient and demanded a clear explanation of the events leading to her son's death. The Baterbonia family is calling for those present during the drowning incident to speak up, and their lawyer is investigating whether Ateneo complied with CHED safety requirements for off-campus activities.