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The Star
30-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Philippine President Marcos' trust, performance ratings up; VP Sara Duterte's decline — survey
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. - Photo: Inquirer files MANILA: The trust and performance ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. improved while Vice President Sara Duterte's saw a decline for the second quarter of 2025, according to a non-commissioned survey conducted by Octa Research in early July. In its Tugon ng Masa conducted from July 12 to 17, Octa Research said that Marcos' trust ratings were at 64 percent, a four-point increase from 60 percent. His performance rating saw a three-point increase to 62 percent, which still fell within the survey's margin of error. Octa Research said that Marcos held the highest trust and performance ratings in the second quarter of 2025 among all top officials surveyed, including Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Francis Escudero, and House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez. 'These gains in trust and performance ratings represent an apparent reversal of the downward trend observed since the fourth quarter of 2024. They underscore a renewed confidence in the President's leadership,' the polling firm noted. Meanwhile, the survey showed that Duterte's trust rating fell from 58 percent to 54 percent, while her performance rating dipped by six points from 56 percent to 50 percent. The polling firm said that the declines in Duterte's trust and performance ratings 'were broad-based, affecting most major regions and socioeconomic classes, with particularly steep drops recorded in NCR [National Capital Region] and Balance Luzon.' Despite this, the firm noted that both Marcos and Duterte 'continue to enjoy majority backing' as their trust and approval ratings remained above the 50 percent mark. The second quarter survey is a contrast to the survey released by the polling firm last April 2025 where Marcos' trust and performance ratings declined both by five points while Duterte's increased by nine and eight points, respectively. Escudero, Romualdez ratings Escudero's trust and performance ratings also dropped by both four points to 51 percent and 49 percent at the national level, respectively. However, the survey showed that Escudero got notable support from Mindanao where his trust rating increased by 11 percent and performance rating at 17 percent. The firm noted that this is 'the most significant regional gain recorded for any top official in a quarter.' On the other hand, the survey said that Romualdez is one of the two top officials, along with Marcos, who saw improvements in trust and performance ratings. Romualdez' trust rating rose from 54 percent to 57 percent while his performance rating increased by four points to 59 percent. The firm said that Romualdez' improvements 'are particularly significant as they were broad-based, with gains recorded across all major regions and socioeconomic classes.' The survey used face-to-face interviews among 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above. It had a margin of error of ±3 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Filipino Times
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Carla Abellana Questions Transparency of U.S. Flood Aid to the Philippines
Actress Carla Abellana has raised doubts over how foreign aid, particularly the ₱13.8 million humanitarian donation from the United States, is being used for flood victims in the Philippines. In an Instagram Story, she reposted an art card from the Inquirer stating the U.S. government had extended financial assistance following a series of storms. Carla, however, questioned if the aid was truly reaching those in need, writing: 'Who's going to tell them where their donations really go?' She added that even light rain often results in 'instant swimming pools' on the streets, hinting at poor infrastructure and disaster preparedness. This isn't the first time Carla has voiced criticisms online. Previously, she pointed out alleged corruption in the property tax declaration process and also aired frustrations over service issues with companies like PrimeWater and Converge ICT. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, meanwhile, reaffirmed their commitment to helping flood-affected communities, assuring that coordination with the Philippine government is ongoing to ensure proper aid delivery. Recent floods in Metro Manila have been blamed on continuous monsoon rains worsened by tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong. Both the MMDA and DPWH cited improper waste disposal and clogged drainage—reportedly 70% blocked—as major contributors to the flooding.
Politico
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Camco Dems win round 1 of Cherry Hill dispute
Good Monday morning! A judge on Friday sided with the Camden County Democratic Committee in the Cherry Hill county committee dispute, finding that even though the slate of three dissident progressives easily beat a slate of 74 machine-backed candidates for Cherry Hill committee, the other 71 seats were effectively tied and should be filled by members of the losing slate. 'The question is what is the fairest thing to do,' said Judge Michael Kassel, who sits in Camden County. 'You have 74 vacancies, you have 77 people who want to fill them. Fair enough. Seems like the fairest thing is to give the top 74 vote-getters the job.' Those sympathetic to the progressives expected this outcome, figuring they would have to appeal. One activist noted to me that Kassel in 2019 affirmed the county clerk's decision to boot progressive freeholder candidates off the ballot without a hearing. And after Friday's hearing, they complained about how Kassel let Camden County Democratic Committee attorney Bill Tambussi speak continuously, then interrupted the progressives' lawyer, Yael Bromberg, time after time. As I watched the hearing Friday I was indeed struck by how many times Kassel interrupted Bromberg — more than two dozen times, by the Inquirer's count. Kassel was confident in his decision that the result of the election was a 71-seat tie, acknowledging during the hearing that he expected it to be appealed either way. But he also said the case was 'unprecedented.' What's clear is the ballot design was at fault for giving voters one oval for each slate instead of for each of the candidates. And Camden County Clerk Pam Lampitt said she had no choice but to design it that way, since Cherry Hill was too large a town to fit so many ovals on the ballot. But this is not a problem in any other county, because the others elect their county committee members by voting district. Had Camden County Democrats elected their committee members that way, they wouldn't have run into this problem. In the end, this is just for control of the Democratic Party in one town. But it happens to be the biggest one in Camden County, in the heart of what had long been vaunted as New Jersey's most powerful Democratic machine. It was a self-own on the machine's part. And there's the poetic justice of the progressives' ballot placement likely playing a role in their landslide win, since during the days of the county line the Camden County Democrats were notorious for allegedly manipulating ballots to favor their candidates. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — No public schedule QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'It's a very bad habit of mine.' — Judge Kassel on interrupting Yael Bromberg, right before interrupting her again. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Vicky Flynn, Sarah Steward WHAT TRENTON MADE LARUE THE DAY — 'LaRue tells embattled Arnau to prove innocence or quit,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'The chair of New Jersey's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization wants Democratic Assembly candidate Ron Arnau to either refute allegations that he physically and emotionally abused his partner of nearly two years or get out of the race. 'If Mr. Arnau cannot disprove these serious allegations, he must step aside. Voters deserve candidates who uphold – not undermine — the public's trust,' said Jeannine Frisby LaRue, the Garden State Equality Action Fund board chair LaRue's statement is potentially devastating to Arnau's campaign and could leave the openly gay candidate without an essential ally in an already uphill race for an Assembly seat.' —'Memorial set for Kabir Moss on Monday' —'Teen found dead next to train tracks 10 years ago was the victim of a hate crime, not a suicide, suit claims' —'Gig workers outraged over NJ rule change for 1.7 million independent contractors' TRUMP ERA HABBA IS ALSO INVESTIGATING MY CHILDHOOD GIRLFRIEND THAT MY FRIENDS NEVER MET. (SHE LIVES IN ANOTHER STATE) — 'U.S. subpoenas governor who said he would house migrant at his home,' by The New York Times' Tracey Tully and Jonah E. Bromwich: 'Alina Habba, who has used her job as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor to aggressively target Democrats, is pursuing an investigation into remarks made by Gov. Philip D. Murphy about housing a migrant, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Mr. Murphy said in February that he was prepared to house a woman whose immigration status was unclear at his family's home in Middletown. F.B.I. agents have since sought to interview at least four witnesses in connection with the comments, two of the people said, with one adding that the governor had been subpoenaed but not questioned … Two of the people with knowledge of the investigation involving Mr. Murphy's comments indicated that it was separate from any Justice Department inquiry related to New Jersey's so-called sanctuary policy, which has been upheld by a federal appeals court. There has been no public sign of that inquiry moving forward.' IMMIGRATION — 'Booker: Ban ICE agents from wearing masks during arrests,' by NJ Spotlight News' Briana Vannozzi: 'U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is leading a growing push to ban immigration enforcement agents from covering their faces during operations. Booker and California Sen. Alex Padilla have introduced legislation that will require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to show their faces when making public arrests, as well as have clearly displayed personal identification on their body. ICE has said the masks and face coverings are being used for officers' protection amid ramped-up crackdowns under the Trump administration, with what they said is an increase of personal threats against the agents and their families. According to lawmakers, using those masks while acting in a federal capacity is illegal and stoking fear in communities like Newark and Los Angeles, where arrests have led to protests.' HOPE AND CHANGE FOUND BETWEEN THE MURPHYS' COUCH CUSHIONS—'Joined By Obama and Sherrill, Murphy raises more than $1.5 million for DNC,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'Joined by former President Barack Obama, Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy raised over $1.5 million for the Democratic National Committee tonight, with some of that haul expected to be spent in New Jersey this year. The Democratic nominee for governor, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), was at the high-dollar dinner held at the Murphy home in Middletown.' ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? — 'Trump marks anniversary of assassination attempt at soccer final,' by The AP: 'President Donald Trump on Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of a failed attempt on his life, joining family, friends and close advisers to witness Chelsea's dominating FIFA Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain. The president joined the players on the field after the match to congratulate the tournament's outstanding performers, present PSG players with their runner-up medals and hand Chelsea their championship trophy. Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted with cheers as they arrived at MetLife Stadium just ahead of the pre-match performance by musical artists Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini. And the president got a smattering of boos when he was briefly shown on the stadium's mega-screen.' —'Trump administration freezes $140 million for NJ schools as Gov. Murphy urges feds to release funds' —'Trump's voucher plan hurts N.J.'s public schools, rewards the rich | Opinion' LOCAL ICE NOT COOLING ANYTHING DOWN — 'Several injured after driver plows through crowd of anti-ICE protesters in New Jersey,' by ABC 7's Sonia Rincon: 'Several people were injured after a driver plowed through a crowd of anti-ICE protesters at an immigration rally in New Jersey on Saturday afternoon. Fairview Police say Linda Roglen, 62, of North Bergen is facing several violations and criminal charges, including assault by auto resulting in injury and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injuries. Roglen and one of the protesters got into a verbal argument. A worker at a pizza shop across the street started recording the protests because he thought it was interesting, happening right outside the window at Fairview and Anderson Avenues. He saw the confrontation between the two. 'I don't know what they said, but they just say something to each other and he spits in her face,' said Gabriel Mayen. Mayen says he never expected to see that, but what happened next was even more shocking -- the driver hit that then more as the car accelerates.' OCEAN COUNTY — 'N.J. couple alleges Assistant Ocean County prosecutor targeted them to benefit his side business,' by NJ Advance Media's Colleen Murphy: 'A New Jersey couple scored a win in federal court, where a judge ruled they can move forward with key parts of their lawsuit accusing Ocean County prosecutors of malicious prosecution and defamation. Salvatore and Jane Mattiaccio, owners of Level and Square Construction in Point Pleasant, allege that now-retired Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor William Scharfenberg used his position to pursue criminal investigations against them while operating a competing construction company, Beacon Homes of N.J … They … allege that his business interests motivated a series of criminal investigations and prosecutions against them, including charges stemming from a contract dispute with a customer in 2018. That case was later dismissed.' ABHOR DAY — 'Drew University plan calls for up to 700 new homes. Is deal to preserve forest dead?' by The Daily Record's William Westhoven: 'The path to preserving 51 forested acres on the Drew University campus once again appears in jeopardy after the school proposed building hundreds of residential units — despite a tentative agreement with Madison borough to save the property. The borough's affordable housing plan … includes details of a proposal by the university to build 492 residential units on two lots that are near, but not considered part of, the Drew Forest parcel. … Of those units, 20% would be reserved for low- or moderate-income residents and count towards Madison's state-mandated affordable-housing obligations. … That was expected by preservation advocates. But the university's proposal also identifies the two Drew Forest lots as 'ideal' for a 208-unit townhome community. Those lots were not included in Madison's latest calculations of land considered to have redevelopment potential.' INFRASUCKSHORE 'Two broken Depression era Jersey Shore drawbridges are causing problems on land and sea,' by NJ Advance Media's 'Two Jersey Shore drawbridges that were built during the Great Depression are showing their age, breaking down and causing problems for drivers and boaters this summer. The moveable section of the failed Route 71 drawbridge in Monmouth County is in the open position, while the Dorset Avenue bridge in Atlantic County is closed, making it an obstacle for tall boats. Replacement is an option for the Route 71 drawbridge in Monmouth County, which is owned by the state, but not for the Dorsett Avenue bridge, owned by Atlantic County, officials said.' THE MARVELOUS MRS. MEASLES — 'First measles case of the year confirmed in Ocean County resident,' by The Asbury Park Press' Amanda Oglesby: 'New Jersey health officials confirmed the first case of measles in Ocean County this year. Officials are urging people to know the symptoms of measles after an Ocean County resident tested positive as of July 10. Bergen County had a case of a resident who had recently traveled. Another Bergen County case was tied to an individual who was a non-resident and was visiting. … Officials did not release additional information about the case.' —'Asbury Park Housing Authority pitches new affordable homes, but is this plan realistic?' —'Newark Public Library Workers are not city employees says mayor, as staff fight for a new contract' —'Cape May County eyes renewed effort to ease homelessness' —'Passaic mayor wants solution for tenants priced out of their apartments after fire' —Sayegh: 'Paterson is a city of immigrants. And we're proud of it | Opinion' EVERYTHING ELSE THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO EXPUNGE THE ARREST OF THE REPORTERS FOR ALLEGEDLY VIOLATING EXPUNGEMENT — 'NJ reporters face unconstitutional charges for refusing to unpublish news,' by Freedom of the Press Foundation: 'Prosecutors are pursuing baseless criminal charges against two Red Bank, New Jersey, journalists for refusing to remove a police blotter entry from a news website, as the Freedom of the Press Foundation's U.S. Press Freedom Tracker first reported. The defendants are Redbankgreen publisher Kenny Katzgrau and reporter Brian Donohue. They're alleged to have engaged in disorderly conduct by revealing the existence of an arrest, knowing that the arrest record has been expunged or sealed ... They're represented by Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C., who have moved to dismiss the ridiculous charges ... On Sept. 18, 2024, Redbankgreen published the August 2024 blotter provided by the Red Bank Police Department, which contained information about the arrest. The arrest was later expunged on March 27, 2025. The blotter published by the Redbankgreen includes an update that the arrest was expunged, as well as a note that arrests in general are not determinations of guilt.' HUDSON TUBES TIED UP — 'Weekend PATH meltdown leaves riders, Hoboken mayor calling for reform,' by WNYC's Ramsey Khalifeh: 'PATH train riders were fuming Sunday after a series of equipment failures upended commutes across the system throughout the weekend. A switch problem just before noon on Saturday cut off service between the Hoboken, Journal Square and 33rd Street, according to PATH officials. Delays were made worse after a train broke down at the World Trade Center station later in the evening. And the problems continued Sunday morning, when signal and track problems at the Newport and Hoboken stations caused further outages. Advocates said that the disruptions were another slap in the face to riders who already endure poor weekend PATH service, which they argue ought to be made more frequent. ' EN BAS DU RIVAGE — 'Is it cheaper to spend a week in Paris, Hawaii, or down the Shore? We investigated,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Amy S. Rosenberg: 'Can you still really jet off at the last minute to, say, Paris, for less money than slogging it with your linens and towels down the A.C. Expressway and Garden State Parkway … to check in to a weekly rental in Ocean City? We put it to the test, asking Philly travel agents for quotes on trips to Honolulu, Paris, Puerto Rico, via Paul Ferdinand of Rainbow Voyages. … Brian Logue, managing partner of the Anchor Group in Ocean City, says Shore rental prices have cooled since the post-COVID high. … Ferdinand found that a week in Honolulu from Aug. 12 to 19, could rival a week at the Shore in price. Round-trip airfare runs $660 per person with one connection each way. He priced an oceanview room at the three-star Park Shore Waikiki at $2,030 total, including all taxes and fees. 'You can lay in your bed and have a completely unobstructed view of the Pacific and Diamond Head through the floor to ceiling windows in the room,' he noted. 'Try getting a house for a week at the Shore for that price,' he said, accurately.' DEI ANOTHER DAY — 'Some N.J. nonprofit leaders say they are not backing down from DEI initiatives, despite Trump's dismantling policies,' by WHYY's Kenneth Miles: 'Several New Jersey nonprofit leaders say they are not backing down from initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion — also known as DEI — despite the Trump administration targeting the programs and threatening to end federal contracts over them. While President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders looking to prohibit the programs in the public and private sectors, nonprofit leaders in the Garden State who work in DEI space said that while they are being challenged, they're not giving up. In fact, they're doubling down.'
Axios
25-06-2025
- Axios
Scoop: Philly man wrongfully convicted as a teen sues city and police
A Philadelphia man convicted of murder two decades ago as a teen but exonerated in 2023 is suing over his wrongful conviction. The big picture: David Sparks, whose case was featured in an Inquirer investigation in 2018, is among at least 41 exonerees in Philly who have been cleared of wrongdoing in the last eight years. Many of the convictions were overturned because of allegations of police misconduct, per the lawsuit. The latest: In his federal lawsuit against the city and more than a dozen members of the Philadelphia Police Department, Sparks, 35, alleges that his wrongful conviction resulted from "extraordinary misconduct." Sparks is accusing police of making critical mistakes that tainted their investigation into a fatal shooting at a Labor Day block party in Nicetown in 2006. He alleges detectives coerced witnesses into implicating him in the murder of 19-year-old Gary Hall, and withheld evidence that suggested another teenager was the shooter. What they're saying: Police homicide detectives had "free reign to engage in unconstitutional actions with the knowledge and acquiescence of city policymakers and PPD Homicide Division supervisors and command staff, all of whom were deliberately indifferent to this misconduct," Sparks' lawyers wrote in the complaint. Sparks is seeking unspecified damages and attorney fees to compensate him for the more than 15 years he spent behind bars. He "looks forward to finally obtaining some measure of accountability," Sparks' attorney, Grace Harris, told Axios in a statement. The other side: The Philadelphia Police Department referred Axios to the city Law Department, which declined to comment on the lawsuit. Context: Sparks, one of many teens at the scene during the 2006 shooting, was 16 years old when he was charged in Hall's murder. Sparks had called 911 shortly after gunshots rang out to report that Hall had been shot and needed medical attention, per the lawsuit. Sparks was convicted at a bench trial in 2008, sentenced to life in prison, and spent years fighting to prove his innocence. The Innocence Project took on his case in 2014 and worked to obtain evidence that showed police detectives were told someone else was responsible for the homicide. A judge vacated Sparks' conviction in 2023, and prosecutors dismissed the case. Zoom in: After the shooting, one of the police supervisors at the scene ordered officers to conduct curfew checks on the teenagers present at the block party, instead of instructing them to interview the dozens of potential witnesses, per the lawsuit. Many teens left the area without speaking to police in order to avoid being issued curfew citations, the suit states. Still, several people told police that another teenager at the party, Ivan Simmons, had shot Hall after he argued with Simmons' brother, the suit alleges. Simmons was killed three months later as part of what the lawsuit describes as a string of retaliatory shootings stemming from Hall's murder.
Axios
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Axios
Sixers need to find their Edgecombe in the NBA Draft
The Sixers have one of the top picks in Wednesday night's NBA Draft — and many looming questions about their future after last season went bust. Why it matters: Bandwagon? There'll be no wagon to band back together this season unless the team makes some moves to inspire faith among fans who are skeptical that the Paul George-Joel Embiid experiment will work. Embiid, the 2023 MVP, is coming off knee surgery and has only played in 58 combined games the last two seasons, per the Inquirer's Keith Pompey. Driving the news: ESPN is projecting the Sixers will use the third pick to take Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, an explosive guard who could play alongside Tyrese Maxey for years to come. The Sixers could also trade the pick, including a potential deal with a team that wants to take George following another injury-plagued season. The intrigue: There's a strong Sixers contingent, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, that's prodding the team not to draft Rutgers guard Ace Bailey, who canceled a scheduled workout with the Sixers this month, per the Inquirer. "I just don't like that," Shapiro told the " Men at Work" podcast. "He's got great talent, great upside, but if you don't want to be here, if you're not dying to be here, I don't want you to be here." Meanwhile, Duke's Cooper Flagg is our state's most searched prospect, but good luck with that pipe dream. He's pretty much a lock to go No. 1. What they're saying: Pompey, the Inquirer's Sixers beat writer, thinks it's too risky for the Sixers to trade the No. 3 pick and potentially not land one of their "prime targets."
