VARGAS Calls for Stricter Implementation, Review and Investigation of QC Anti-Bullying Measures

Trigger Warning:Bullying++

In recent reports, a first year high school student became a victim of bullying in Quezon City. He had seizures, apparently got bullied and hurt by his classmates, called names as a SPED (special education) student which caused his untimely demise last February (where his Mom is still asking for justice to this day, despite catching it all on CCTV). 

Former Congressman and now Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas took his time at a privilege speech and ask for a review of the existing Quezon City Anti Bullying Ordinance to address the number of incidents of this nature. It has increased in recent years and mostly have been caused by bullying, physical harm, picking on those who are differently abled. He explains how it is important to see who should be accountable, while being given due process and seek the truth. 

As of now, the QC Council has voted unanimously for an investigation on the incident. Vargas reiterates the importance of stopping this from happening again. He says "We cannot just make "a person thinking like a child" a reason for all of these. This is serious, and is a matter of life and death. I am calling for everyone's help on this matter and hope justice be served."

He adds "Together with our Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, we urge everyone in the city council to start discussions on the Anti Bullying Ordinance and the measures we have protecting these kids. I think it is high time we put in stronger measures, like reporting, the duties of school administrators and the parents. Let's not be silent on this matter!"

I agree with him that there should not be anyone who would go through these things in 2026. He also said no parent should experience this sadness, sorrow or grief in their lifetime. The cycle of abuse should stop!

JIGGY MANICAD Joins Illustrious Line of TV5 Anchors in FRONTLINE PILIPINAS

 

It looks like evening news is going to be a LOT interesting as one distinguished broadcast journalist joins the illustrious line of TV5 anchors in FRONTLINE PILIPINAS. He's Jiggy Manicad, and he's back to bring new flavor to prime time news this side of the world. He joins Cheryl Cosim and Julius Babao and a throng of distinguished journalists to bring you fresh news and what happened in the country the whole day.  

Mr. Manicad went through a whole hiatus to care for his family, his kids, deciding to watch them grow. He also tried to run for Senator in 2019 where he wanted to bring agricultural and natural disaster reforms. It was just not in his favor, and admits he learned a lot from. Going back to the industry he's passionate about was a calling, he intently prayed to decide on it when management got in touch.

He says "I have been in broadcast and journalism for 20 years, but I feel politics is not for me, I will concentrate on more honest and transparent work. I wouldn't want that for my soul, but I have no regrets, I learned a lot from that."

He adds "I was doing my job good, and I enjoyed it. When I was still active I always got ahead of the pack because it was a habit. Now the landscape is different and I can make stories ahead of time, I check world news and know my angles right away. On my part, I have never thought of the resignation as doing nothing, I was still myself but have the Lord tell me what I don't have, I am entering a new home with him involved, and I'm happy to do that. Usually when you get old that's when you turn to him, but I want to communicate with him even when I was young. He will give you everything when you are in the right path. I went through hard times and knew him when I was doing nothing and learned to share it even more. During the pandemic we had so many things but it was still him that we called for. It was a blessing and now that I'm in TV5, I hope to be able to do the stories that I want to do, the non traditional ones, even if it is at the end of the show, it will have impact and still be interesting. I hope we could do that in the show as I become part of FRONTLINE. Journalism is different, because as it is, we source credible information and the truth from it and deliver that when it is available."

Here's our video coverage and interview during an intimate presser yesterday, the conversation was certainly interesting because we could ask anything we wanted including the change of networks.

This Monday will be his first day in FRONTLINE PILIPINAS and he's starting with stories related to the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. He's a little nervous, but he's planning to do as little preparation as possible because he's more of a crammer and can do more. Sure, he's got a serious side but he's got lots of personality to bring in the show. He promises to keep it light, concise, understandable and do it in less time for the viewers. He's going to be your buddy in the studio and out in the field every night at 6:30PM. You may check their social channels for more information about his new journey, only on the Kapatid Network, TV5!

Legarda Aspires Senate Re-election, 1st National Candidate to File COC

Legarda files COC in Pasay City. Credits: Melissa Lopez

Looks like Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda is seeking re-election as she filed her COC yesterday morning at the Sofitel Tent in Pasay City. She's been a Senator for three terms and currently representing the lone district of the Province of Antique.  

In the Senate, she's noted to have chaired committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, Economic Affairs and Environment and Climate Change. She's authored several laws aimed to help Filipinos improve their lives and make servies accessible to the masses. She has previously garnered some of the highest votes in the 1998 and 2007 elections and vows to pursue more of her advocacies in health, economic recovery and the actions she could do about the climate crisis.

She also wants to enact laws that would help generate jobs, quality education and an efficient healthcare system. She also wants to push for stronger laws for environmental protection and cultural preservation which she has continuosly done in the congress, and do it for those who are marginalized, vulnerable and promote sustainable growth and recovery especially during these times. You may see her advocacies on her site lorenlegarda.com.ph today!