The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to expel Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga for what lawmakers described as disruptive and disorderly behavior, making him only the second legislator in the past three years—and just the second in modern congressional history—to be removed from the chamber’s roster. A total of 265 lawmakers, well above the required two-thirds vote, backed the recommendation of the House ethics committee, which found Barzaga guilty of acts deemed unbecoming of a member of Congress. The first recent expulsion involved former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnulfo Teves Jr., who was removed in 2023 after repeatedly refusing to attend House sessions.

If clay courts are a slow-burn chess match, grass is a drag race—and Alex Eala arrived at the starting line with her foot firmly on the accelerator.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) forecasts a favorable 2026 for the mining sector, driven by strong global demand for energy transition minerals and steady commodity prices.