The political party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), has made a significant shift by endorsing the mayoral candidacy of Daily Tribune columnist and former Customs Commissioner Yogi Ruiz in Cebu City.

The endorsement came on the evening of 21 February when South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., PFP national president, raised the hands of Ruiz and his slate for councilor.

“We are endorsing our friend and ally, Yogi Ruiz,” Tamayo told the media. “Just as we provide free hospitalization for our constituents in South Cotabato, we want to bring similar benefits to Cebu City under Yogi’s leadership.”

While the PFP, as part of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, was initially expected to support Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s reelection bid, the party’s endorsement of Ruiz marks a shift in direction.

Ruiz expressed his gratitude for the endorsement. “This is a major boost to my candidacy and we are very thankful for this support,” he told Daily Tribune.

More than 10,000 people attended the launch of the “BAG-O NA PUD!” (Let’s Have a New One) Call-For-Change Movement on Friday night.

Ruiz outlined his key plans for the city, including immediate solutions to the flooding problem, waste segregation, traffic management, peace and order, curfew for minors, city scholarships, free medicines for diabetics and hypertensives, livelihood programs with business opportunities, and socialized housing.

No sugar imports during milling season — Abby Binay

Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay has urged the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to issue an official directive halting sugar imports during the milling season.

Binay said she has discussed the matter with SRA Administrator Paul Azcona and encouraged him to formalize the policy.

“We need to put in writing that no imports will be allowed during the milling season. This will certainly support our farmers and prevent sugar prices from falling,” she said.

Binay emphasized that an official directive would prevent disruptions to the sugar industry and ensure that local farmers receive fair prices for their produce. “Farmers need something concrete to hold onto — something in black and white — rather than just verbal assurances from the administration,” she said.

Earlier, Binay called on the government to adopt a clear policy against sugar imports during the milling season after she met with a group of sugar producers.

As a senatorial candidate for the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Binay believes this policy will strengthen the sugar industry and improve the livelihood of the sugar workers. She pointed out that 80 percent of the country’s sugar supply is locally produced, with only 20 percent coming from imports.

Binay also noted that with the right policies to attract investments in modern sugar mills, the Philippines has the potential to become a major global sugar producer, boost local production, and lower market prices.

If elected to the Senate, Binay said she plans to introduce measures aimed at supporting farmers and advancing agricultural development.

Partylist nominee surrenders driver’s license

Angkasangga Partylist First Nominee George Royeca recently demonstrated accountability and his leadership by voluntarily surrendering his driver’s license.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) imposed a 90-day suspension on Royeca’s license following a recent incident in Cainta, Rizal involving Angkas riders.

Royeca emphasized his commitment to his team over his personal interests, stating, “As a leader aspiring to public office, I am held to a higher standard. I take full responsibility for our actions because I owe it to our riders, passengers, and the public who have supported us from day one. I would rather face suspension myself than see our riders lose their ability to provide for their families.”

Royeca and the Angkasangga Partylist reaffirmed their commitment to due process while expressing full cooperation and respect for the ruling issued by the agency.

Many netizens commended him for taking responsibility to protect the livelihood of his riders.

“Shouldn’t he be praised for taking full responsibility for his men’s actions? Even though he didn’t directly commit the violations, if it were another boss, they’d probably throw their people under the bus,” a netizen said.