A Tide of Accountability: Mayors Unite to Confront Corruption in Flood Control Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A powerful alliance of over 40 mayors has risen to demand a new era of governance, issuing a resounding call for full transparency, accountability, and justice in the face of alleged massive corruption in the nation’s flood control projects. This unified front, known as the "Mayors for Good Governance," has declared that the time for silence is over and that transparency is no longer a choice but a sacred duty owed to every Filipino citizen.

Leading the charge are a few prominent figures: Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Isabela City, Basilan Mayor Sitti Hataman, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. Their collective statement rips through the usual political rhetoric, directly challenging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other national agencies to immediately and fully disclose all project details. This isn't just a demand for documents; it's a demand for names—specifically, the names of contractors and politicians who have benefited from these multi-billion-peso projects, paid for by the very people who suffer from recurring floods.

The mayors’ stand is a critical moment for the nation, as it underscores a growing frustration with a system that has long been perceived as broken. They assert that corruption in flood control projects has become "alarming, pervasive, and systematic," transforming public works meant to protect communities into a source of personal gain. This movement represents a turning point, where local leaders, who are on the frontlines of disaster response and directly accountable to their constituents, are choosing to hold the national government to a higher standard.

Their message is clear and unwavering: there can be no justification for secrecy or delay. The Filipino people have waited long enough, enduring the devastating consequences of floods and landslides while public funds are allegedly siphoned away. The Mayors for Good Governance are not just calling for an investigation; they are demanding a complete overhaul of the system, a purge of those who have betrayed the public trust. The ultimate punishment, they declare, must be more than just removal from office—it must be prosecution and imprisonment for those proven guilty. This is a battle not just against a few corrupt individuals, but against the very culture of greed that has plagued the nation.

SIGNATORIES: MAYORS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

As of August 19, 2025, 1:30 PM

Mayor Benjie Magalong - Baguio City

Mayor Vico Sotto - Pasig City

Mayor Joy Belmonte - Quezon City

Mayor Sitti Hataman - Isabela City, Basilan

Mayor Rommel Arnado - Founding M4GG convenor

Fmr Mayor Felipe Remollo - Founding M4GG convenor

Mayor Mike Drayani - Lubang, Occidental Mindoro

Mayor Miguel Decena - Enrile, Cagayan

Mayor Webster Letargo - Gumaca, Quezon

Mayor Ogie Suayan - Candelaria, Quezon

Mayor Orian Calayag - Dolores, Quezon

Mayor Lenj Paulino - Olongapo City

Mayor Eduardo Villanueva, Jr. - Bocoue, Bulacan

Mayor Edrelisa Calonge - Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay

Mayor Roberto Uy, Jr. - Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte

Mayor Michael Demph Naga - Dimasalang, Masbate

Mayor Romeo Amorado - Majayjay, Laguna

Mayor Gary Pinzon - Luna, La Union

Mayor Jerold Peña - San Jose, Camarines Sur

Mayor Ian Kenneth Affeche - Alimodian, Iloilo

Mayor Juris Sucro - Kalibo, Aklan

Mayor Arranttee Arroyo - Cavinti, Laguna

Vice Gov. Lita Aquino - Province of Tarlac

Mayor Edito Saludaga - Lavezares, Northern Samar

Mayor Divina Fontanilla - Bacnotan, La Union

Mayor Aron C. Balais - Barugo, Leyte

Mayor Vianne Cuevas - Palayan City, Nueva Ecija

Mayor Marissa Manigsaca - Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte

Mayor Trina Andres - Rizal, Nueva Ecija

Mayor Jobby Emata - Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija

Mayor Paolo Evangelista - Kidapawan City, Cotabato

Mayor Angeles Carloto - Tampilisian, Zamboanga del Norte

Mayor Bong Marquez - Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Mayor Ronald Cosico - Paete, Laguna

Mayor John Rey Tiangco - Navotas City

Mayor Bongbong Tupas - Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

Mayor Ali Sumandar - Piagapo, Lanao del Sur

Mayor Juan Paolo Lopez - Madrid, Surigao del Sur

Mayor Jon Aying - Sara, Iloilo

Mayor Jeremy Rosario - Manaoag, Pangasinan

Mayor Jun Ynares - Antipolo City, Rizal

Mayor Meg Constantino - Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro

Mayor Jorico Bayaua - Conner, Apayao

Mayor Junjun Escobillo - Tampakan, South Cotabato

Cong. Javi Benitez - 3rd District, Negros Occidental

Mayor Renato Cabael - Motiong, Samar

Forging a Sustainable Future: A Global Dialogue on the Circular Economy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Taipei is set to become a hub for global environmental policy this October with the International Workshop on Circular Economy and Sustainable Policy Implementation. This four-day event, running from October 20 to October 23, 2025, will bring together experts and policymakers to tackle the urgent issue of sustainable development and the circular economy.

Hosted by the China Productivity Center (CPC), the workshop is a critical platform for regional and international collaboration. It aims to deepen the understanding of how circular economy policies can be effectively implemented at both the local and industrial levels. As Taiwan continues to make strides in circular economy legislation and resource reuse, the focus of this workshop is on strengthening policy implementation and building a more sustainable future. The event is a joint effort with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), providing a platform for member countries to share strategies and learn from one another's experiences.

The workshop's agenda is packed with expert lectures and practical, on-site experiences. Attendees will hear from distinguished speakers such as Mr. Lin Zih-Siang of the Plastics Industry Technology Development Center, who will discuss Taiwan's policies, and Mr. Wang Chia Hsiang, the founder of REnato Lab, who will share his insights on the challenges of circular economy practices.

Beyond the lectures, the program includes visits to several key sites that showcase circular economy principles in action. The itinerary features tours of Cheng Loong Corporation and Chungtai Resource Technology Corp. in Taoyuan City, as well as the New Taipei City Resource Recycling Education Base. These visits are designed to provide participants with a firsthand look at how companies are transforming their operations to be more sustainable.

The workshop is an opportunity to move from discussion to action, with a goal of formulating specific plans that will improve policy effectiveness and drive sustainable transformation in industries. The organizers hope to build a consensus that will serve as a clear reference for future policy adjustments and local implementation.

For those invited, the China Productivity Center extends a warm welcome and an invitation to a side event being held in conjunction with the workshop. The CPC is keen to welcome participants and encourages them to share their availability for the event.

A team from the Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement (BKM), namely Engr. Eric Raymundo , Ross Flores Del Rosario and Raymund Aaron, will be attending the event.

"Dear All,

Thank you very much for supporting Hotspot 2025 in Taiwan. We would be delighted to welcome you to join the event during your stay.

In addition, CPC will be hosting a side event along with the Hotspot, and we warmly welcome your participation as well.

Please find the tentative schedule attached for your reference.

Should you have any questions regarding the arrangements or if you would like to share your availability,

please feel free to let me know at your convenience.

We look forward to your participation."

YAKAP: A National Embrace of Health—Up Close & Personal

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

For too long, Filipinos postponed visits to the doctor—driven by cost, distance, or inertia. But now, with PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), healthcare is no longer a distant dream—it’s your friendly neighborhood’s warm welcome.

Health at Your Doorstep: YAKAP’s Metro Manila Clinics

Here’s how YAKAP wraps Metro Manila in accessible care—through curated, trusted clinics offering consultations, diagnostics, and medicine:

Quezon City

New World Diagnostics, Inc. (D. Tuazon branch)

205 D. Tuazon St., Brgy. Maharlika, Quezon City 

Fitness Physical Therapy Home Care

Unit I, 135 Mayon Building, 135 Mayon St., Quezon City 

Manila (City of Manila)

Mansalapuz Physical Therapy Clinic

Unit 305, One AGM Plaza, 1830 Rizal Avenue, Brgy. 336, Zone 034, Manila 

Meta Factor Personal Wellness Enhancement Services

Paco Arena, Ground Floor, Apacible St. cor. Leroy St., Manila 

Pasig City

New World Diagnostics, Inc. (Ortigas Premium branch)

33 ValuCare Bldg., Meralco Ave., Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City 

Taguig City

Sandbox Clinic

Unit 3A, 3rd Floor Active Fun Bldg., 28th St. cor. 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 

Across the Archipelago: YAKAP Clinics in Key Provinces

Luzon Highlights

Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital – Tala, Caloocan (a key tertiary referral hospital) 

Visayas Highlights

Badian District Hospital – Poblacion, Badian, Cebu

Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center – Tagbilaran City, Bohol 

Mindanao Highlights

Not available 

These clinics are part of a vast network—with 3,500+ accredited YAKAP clinics nationwide—ensuring every Filipino is enveloped in preventive care, no matter their location.

The 75 Free Medicines Under YAKAP (₱20,000 Yearly Benefit)

Here are the 75 essential outpatient medicines available with zero co-payment—accessible via YAKAP clinics and accredited pharmacies:

Anti-infectives

Albendazole, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cefixime, Cefuroxime, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Clindamycin, Clotrimazole, Cloxacillin, Co-amoxiclav, Co-trimoxazole, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Mebendazole, Metronidazole, Nitrofurantoin, Oseltamivir, Tobramycin 

Lipids & Cardiovascular

Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin, Fenofibrate, Aspirin, Clopidogrel 

Pain Relief & Supportive

Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid, Naproxen, Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide, Omeprazole, Butamirate (uBo), Lagundi, Zinc, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), Cetirizine, Loratadine, Diphenhydramine, Chlorphenamine, Celecoxib, Colchicine, Ferrous Salt, Folic Acid + Iron 

Respiratory (Asthma/COPD)

Salbutamol, Ipratropium, Ipratropium + Salbutamol, Budesonide + Formoterol, Fluticasone + Salmeterol, Montelukast, Prednisone, Tiotropium 

Hypertension & Heart

Amlodipine, Atenolol, Captopril, Diltiazem, Enalapril, Enalapril + Hydrochlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Isosorbide Mononitrate, Losartan, Methyldopa, Metoprolol, Tamsulosin, Clonidine, Telmisartan, Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, Valsartan, Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide 

Diabetes

Metformin, Gliclazide, Dapagliflozin 

Nerve Pain

Gabapentin 

Diagnostics and Cancer Screenings Included

YAKAP also provides free laboratory tests and cancer screenings, including:

Lab Tests: 

Complete Blood Count, Lipid Profile, Fasting Blood Sugar, OGTT, HbA1c, Creatinine, Chest X-Ray, Sputum Microscopy, ECG, Urinalysis, Pap Smear, Fecalysis, FOBT 

Cancer Screenings: 

Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, Low-Dose Chest CT Scan, Liver Ultrasound + AFP, Colonoscopy 

Why This Matters—Emotion Meets Empowerment

Health at Every Turn: 

Whether in Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, Taguig—or a far-flung barangay—you are closer to care than ever.

Prevention Over Price: 

Screenings and chronic medications no longer drain your wallet. Early detection saves lives—and futures.

Security and Compassion: 

A network that listens, cares, and delivers no matter where you are.

Your Right, Realized: 

With zero co-payment for essential services and medicines, YAKAP transforms societal promise into tangible care.

What You Can Do Right Now

Find a YAKAP Clinic Near You

For Metro Manila, start with the highlighted clinics above. Need help finding your nearest one? I’m happy to assist!

Register or Check Your Enrollment

Visit through eGovPH app, PhilHealth Member Portal, or any YAKAP clinic for on-site updates.

Schedule Your First Patient Encounter (FPE)

Receive a health profile, lab tests, and medicine prescription via GAMOT app.

Redeem Prescriptions at Accredited Pharmacies

Facilities include: 

Vidacure (QC, Muntinlupa), Generika (Parañaque, Navotas, QC, Taguig), CGD Medical Depot (Vertis North), Chinese General Hospital pharmacy 

Conclusion: 

YAKAP—A Loving Nationwide Embrace

This is more than an insurance program—it’s a movement of care, compassion, and active health. From Metro Manila to Mindanao, YAKAP binds the nation in a promise: that no Filipino ever walks alone in the journey toward wellness.

Let’s YAKAP Health Together. Let’s stay together, well.