24 Oras Express Weekend: August 23, 2026 [HD]

Summary of Key News and Commentary (Aug. 23, 2026)

1) Police officer injured during response to “man running amok” (Camarines Sur)

• A police officer responding to reports of a man “running amok” in Camarines Sur was seriously injured in an accident.
• Police allege the suspect stabbed the officer, leading to the officer’s hand being severed; the suspect also suffered bullet wounds.
• Authorities said the suspect previously had records involving alarms and scandals, while the suspect’s family claims he has a mental health condition.
• The injured officer reportedly underwent surgery to restore the hand and is under observation for charges including frustrated murder and direct assault.
• The National Police Commission acknowledged the officer’s sacrifice and said aid would be provided for the officer and the officer’s sister. GMA News was still trying to get statements from both the victim officer and the suspect’s family.

2) Flood control failures in Bulacan linked to ongoing flooding and amputations

• After days of severe flooding in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a resident reportedly had his leg amputated after his foot was soaked in contaminated floodwater.
• The segment revisits alleged “ghost” or ineffective flood-control projects in the area.
• DPW inspections reportedly found multiple pumping stations and flood gates, but many components were damaged or not functioning.
• Residents described river dikes meant to protect against water, but reports suggest the structures were poorly designed and deteriorated quickly—amid waves and flooding even years after construction.
• Officials said repairs would be covered under warranty and pointed to longer-term multi-year plans, including a Manila Bay Coastal Defense Dike Project.
• A major concern raised: the gap between infrastructure planning and the immediate relief residents need before the next rainy season.

3) Baguio and other areas preparing for further severe weather after landslides

• Baguio City saw heavy, gusty rain with near-zero visibility; BDRRM offices temporarily suspended clearing operations after recent landslides.
• Several affected families remain fearful because homes sit very near previous landslide sites, including one that previously killed 10 people.
• Response efforts include prepositioned logistics, monitoring drainage systems, and restoring electricity/telco poles.
• Authorities also reported road closures due to rockfall and landslides, and added safety markings in landslide-prone areas.

4) Landslide incidents in Batanes (Sabtang) amid continuous heavy rains

• Landslides occurred in Sabtang, Batanes due to continuous heavy rains.
• Even where clearing was ongoing, rocks and mud continued to fall; motorists were advised to avoid affected roads.
• The rain was attributed to the southwest monsoon.

5) Road safety measures: MMDA installs crash guards along major routes

• The MMDA is installing crash guards to reduce fatalities from impacts involving damaged barriers or concrete dividers.
• Coverage includes cases where vehicles broke through multiple barriers; investigations noted driver-related issues in at least one incident.
• MMDA stated crash guards can help absorb impact and are being installed in locations identified through accident data.
• The effort aligns with a Metro Manila Road Safety initiative supported by the World Health Organization, targeting a 35% reduction in crash deaths by 2028.

6) Senate impeachment court to rule on subjudicial rule; debate over strictness

• The Senate Impeachment Court is expected to release a decision on alleged violation of the subjudicial rule (a prohibition on commenting on the merits of pending cases).
• The court also warned parties against social media chatter regarding the merits of the case.
• A former Senate President argued the subjudicial rule may not need to be applied as strictly as in regular courts, given the public nature of impeachment proceedings.
• The prosecution reportedly sought some flexibility to explain trial progress to the public.
• A schedule update—possibly moving hearings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—was also expected, with Senate leadership indicating adjustments are being considered.

7) Showbiz and human-interest segments

• Multiple entertainment updates were included, such as series cast developments, appearances, and side events.
• A feature on the Aspin dog competition promoted care for Filipino dogs and highlighted rescue/cruelty-related issues.
• Another segment reported a 5.9 magnitude earthquake near Tokyo, where the number of injured is not expected to drop below 37; monitoring continued for possible Filipino injuries.

8) Weather and disaster updates: storms entering/approaching the Philippine forecast

• Typhoon Saudell (local name expected to be Obet) is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility, with hopes it strengthens the southwest monsoon.
• Another storm’s chance of entering PAR was described as low, though it could still affect Saudell’s track.
• Forecasts indicate possible light to heavy rain across parts of Luzon, additional rain chances in Visayas and Mindanao, and a high chance of rain in Metro Manila.

9) Mindoro flood-control project allegedly damaged after one year; accountability questions

• In Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, residents claimed a DPWH flood control project was destroyed within a year, apparently during or after heavy rains.
• They alleged that sand/materials mixed into the river worsened flooding and damaged rice fields.
• Residents pointed to repeated failures across multiple flood-control projects in the barangay and alleged lack of corrective action even after earlier incidents.
• DPWH said it would continue auditing damaged projects and ensure repairs, but residents remain concerned about what would happen if rains return.

10) PNP Highway Patrol personnel dismissed amid alleged conflict linked to Customs activity

• The PNP Highway Patrol Group-NCR chief and 12 personnel were reportedly dismissed after an alleged confrontation involving Bureau of Customs personnel during operations connected to confiscated smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan.
• PNP said action would depend on investigation findings.
• The Bureau of Customs suggested the Highway Patrol team entered the condemnation area while pursuing a suspect from a separate operation.

11) Poverty debate: government reports fewer poor Filipinos, critics challenge the measurement

• Government officials cited PSA data stating the national poverty rate fell to 9.7%—the first time it reportedly reached single digits.
• They also said poverty incidence among families reached single digits for the first time.
• The government attributed reductions to economic growth (2023–2025) and social programs such as social pension, Kadiwa, and TUPAD.
• Critics from an advocacy group argued the measurement may be misleading, saying the government’s method may mainly reduce the number of people under a low daily threshold while many Filipinos still experience hardship.
• The criticism warns that focusing on the lower poverty threshold could lead to complacency and underfunding of support despite ongoing gaps in jobs, income, and broader reforms.

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Presenters / Contributors

• Bea Pinlac
• EJ Gomez
• Von Aquino
• Sandra Aguinaldo
• Dtingkong
• Panghel
• Ivan Merina
• JP Soriano
• Vince Don (DPW Secretary)
• Benhar Abalos (Cabinet Secretary)
• Jesus Cordero (Impeachment court presiding officer)
• Sherwin Gatchalian (Senate President)
• Franklin Drilon (former Senate President)
• Amando Virgin Ligutan (prosecution lawyer mentioned)
• Panfilo Lacson (mentioned as Senator Akson in subtitles; referenced as voicing a schedule preference)
• Obet/Saudell meteorological references (via Pagasa, JMA, and other government agencies mentioned in reporting)