Six months have flown by, and the Philippines is now in the first week of the second half of 2026. For many Filipinos, this means the "Ber" months are approaching, bringing noise, lights, and expenses. Time seems to accelerate with age; it has been six years since the COVID-19 lockdown. Yet, the nation remains shaken by the June 22 school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed and several wounded after two boys aged 14 and 15 allegedly opened fire.
DepEd's harsh response: Bomb jokes as gravest offenses
In response, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued new learner behavior guidelines classifying bomb threats and bomb jokes, along with carrying deadly weapons, as "third-level" or gravest offenses. These carry penalties of non-readmission for a first offense and exclusion for a second. This means a single dumb comment from a teenager could derail their education, while officials implicated in multi-billion-peso flood control scams remain unscathed. The contrast raises questions about deflection.
Corruption remains systemic, requiring an overhaul of public fund planning, awarding, and auditing, along with transparent procurement, independent audits, and a justice system that pursues cases to the end. But corruption is not the only urgent issue.
Super El Niño looms: 60% chance of intensification
Pagasa has warned of a more than 60% chance that the ongoing El Niño will intensify into a "very strong" or "super" El Niño by the last quarter of 2026. This could bring record-high temperatures, prolonged dry spells, serious water stress, and fewer but stronger typhoons. Pagasa stated that this extreme weather will cause agricultural losses and raise the risk of heat-related illness and disease. Food prices, already elevated due to conflicts in the Middle East, are a major concern. Scarcity in key areas and disrupted supply chains will push prices higher, hitting ordinary Filipino households hardest.
Demand for concrete government plans
The columnist calls for local governments and Malacañang to release concrete measures: water-rationing plans, support for farmers, contingency funds for price spikes, and clear protocols for heat emergencies. Ensuring student safety is noble, but should include tighter firearm control, better counseling, and anti-bullying programs, not just harsh punishments. The government should move faster to publish El Niño contingency plans, protect farmers, stabilize food prices, and push corruption cases past impunity.
A simple starting point: within the month, Malacañang and every provincial government should release publicly accessible El Niño response plans with clear budgets, timelines, and responsibilities that citizens and media can monitor. The clock is ticking on the weather, inflation, and other worst-case scenarios that need immediate attention.
