Anti-Epal Push: DSWD chief Rex Gatchalian said government payouts under the Social Pension Program will proceed without public officials showing up, warning agencies will halt rollouts if “Anti-Epal” rules are violated. Disinformation Debate: Media groups criticized pending anti-disinformation bills as the wrong fix, saying they could expand state control over speech and criminalize expression. Rights vs Lawsuits: Human Rights Watch urged prosecutors to dismiss cyber-libel complaints filed by a mining firm against rights advocates in Nueva Vizcaya, saying such cases can silence community concerns. Education Support: DepEd released guidelines for the Gas-Tuklas pilot, earmarking P100.8M to subsidize targeted student-athletes and teacher-coaches for DepEd-endorsed competitions. Middle East Aid Funding: Malacañang said DBM identified P22.79B in savings to expand Uplift Assistance for vulnerable sectors hit by the Middle East crisis. El Niño Preparedness: Speaker Bojie Dy urged agencies to shift to proactive El Niño planning after past palay losses and rising rice prices. Local Corruption Crackdown: PNP-CIDG arrested an alleged LTO fixer in Valenzuela for charging expedited license processing fees. Pax Silica Row: BCDA defended the US-led Pax Silica hub against claims of water and community harm as lawmakers and groups warn of higher power demand and grid strain. Court Move on Sara Ally: Sandiganbayan ordered Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to explain why he should not be preventively suspended amid his plunder case. Quezon City Culture: UP Diliman will host the touring run of “Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet,” bringing a Laguna theatrical production to the city.