Chaos in the Philippines: Sara Duterte’s Shocking Impeachment & the Public Transport Nightmare You Can’t Ignore!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The political landscape in the Philippines has been tumultuous, with the recent impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte capturing national attention. On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte on charges including alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his family, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as accusations of corruption and misuse of public funds. 

This move has intensified the political rift between Duterte and President Marcos, who had previously signaled disinterest in pursuing impeachment despite their falling-out. The impeachment complaint garnered support from over 215 legislators, including the president's son, underscoring the depth of the division. 

In the aftermath, several pressing questions have emerged:

Who initiated the impeachment complaint? The identity of the first signatory remains a topic of public interest.

Who will serve as the trial prosecutors? The selection of prosecutors for the impending Senate trial is underway.

What are the implications if Sara Duterte resigns? A resignation could alter the course of the impeachment proceedings and affect the line of succession.

Why are prosecutors seeking access to the Vice President's bank records? Investigators aim to examine these records to substantiate allegations of corruption and fund misuse.

In the event of impeachment, who succeeds the Vice President? The line of succession is a critical consideration, with the Senate President next in line according to the Philippine Constitution.

Adding to the Vice President's legal challenges, the National Bureau of Investigation has recommended filing criminal charges against her for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Marcos and other officials. These charges include inciting to sedition and grave threats. 

As the nation approaches the May midterm elections, the political climate is charged. The impeachment trial is set to commence in the Senate in June, with potential outcomes including Duterte's removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding public positions. This development could significantly impact her anticipated presidential bid in 2028. 

Amidst the political upheaval, everyday concerns continue to affect Filipinos, particularly in the realm of public transportation.

Public Transportation Challenges

Despite numerous administrations since the post-EDSA revolution, the Philippines continues to grapple with persistent public transportation issues. Commuters, including students, the elderly, and workers, often start their days in the early hours to reach their destinations on time—a scenario that was unimaginable decades ago.

In 2023, Metro Manila was reported to have the world's worst traffic, with an average travel time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds to cover 10 kilometers. The situation worsened in 2024, as Davao City surpassed Manila, recording an average of 28 minutes and 17 seconds for the same distance. Manila's travel time also increased to 27 minutes and 18 seconds, resulting in approximately 103 hours lost per year during rush hours, highlighting a significant loss in productivity.

Commuters frequently face long queues at bus carousels and MRT stations, as well as challenges posed by steep footbridges.

Footbridge Safety Concerns

Metro Manila is dotted with at least 138 footbridges, constructed with a budget of P231.3 million from 2019 to 2023. These structures, intended to protect pedestrians, have come under scrutiny following tragic incidents.

In January, 75-year-old George Fernandez, who relied on a walking stick, slipped on the stairs of a footbridge along Julia Vargas Avenue in Ortigas due to a malfunctioning escalator. He suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage, raising concerns about the safety and accessibility of these pedestrian infrastructures.

The Future of the EDSA Bus Carousel

The EDSA Bus Carousel, a bus rapid transit system running along EDSA, has been a topic of debate. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suggested the possibility of discontinuing the service, citing overlapping routes with the MRT-3.

However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported that in 2024, the EDSA Bus Carousel served approximately 63 million commuters, averaging about 177,000 passengers daily. The service operates 24/7, reducing travel time from Monumento in Caloocan City to PITX in Parañaque City to about half the usual three-hour duration.

Despite the MMDA's position, the DOTr has scheduled bidding for the EDSA Bus Carousel to commence in 2025, indicating plans for its continuation and potential expansion.

Metro Manila Subway Project

The Metro Manila Subway, heralded as the "project of the century," is another significant transportation initiative. Spanning 33 kilometers from Valenzuela in the north to Parañaque in the south, the project was targeted for completion in 2029.

With the recent appointment of Transport Secretary Vince Dizon, following Jaime Bautista's resignation due to health reasons, there is anticipation regarding updates on the project's progress and any potential adjustments to its timeline.

As the nation navigates political uncertainties, the focus on improving public transportation remains a critical concern for the everyday Filipino, underscoring the need for effective governance that addresses both political stability and essential public services.

Filipino Scientists Pioneer Groundbreaking Method for Creating Transparent Aluminum

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Breakthrough in Transparent Aluminum Technology

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough that bridges science fiction and reality, researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University and the Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a revolutionary method to create transparent aluminum oxide (TAlOx) using nothing more than tiny droplets of acid and household-level electrical current. This innovation promises to make the production of this incredibly versatile material more accessible and environmentally friendly than ever before.

From Science Fiction to Scientific Reality

While Star Trek fans might recognize transparent aluminum as the fictional material used for starship windows and aquariums, TAlOx is very much real. It combines the clarity of glass with metal-like durability, making it an ideal material for various applications, from protective coatings on electronics to optical sensors and solar panels.

"Traditional methods of producing TAlOx have been prohibitively expensive and complex, often requiring specialized equipment like high-powered lasers or vacuum chambers, not to mention large quantities of hazardous acids," explains Marco Laurence M. Budlayan, one of the lead researchers from Ateneo de Manila University's Department of Physics.

Revolutionary Simplicity: The Droplet-Scale Approach

The team's groundbreaking technique, termed "droplet-scale anodization," represents a paradigm shift in TAlOx production. Instead of submerging entire metal sheets in acid baths, the researchers apply microscopic droplets of acidic solution to specific areas of aluminum surfaces. The transformation is achieved using just two volts of electricity—roughly equivalent to the power of a single AA battery.

This precision approach relies on a phenomenon called "electrowetting," where electrical fields alter liquid droplet properties, enabling unprecedented control over the anodization process. The result is a transparent, incredibly durable material created with minimal environmental impact.

Environmental and Economic Implications

The new method's advantages extend far beyond its simplicity:

Reduced Chemical Waste: By using microdroplets instead of large acid baths, the process dramatically cuts down on chemical waste

Energy Efficiency: The low voltage requirement makes the process highly energy-efficient

Cost-Effectiveness: The simplified approach could significantly reduce production costs

Precision Control: The ability to transform specific areas of metal surfaces opens new possibilities for miniaturized electronics

Future Applications and Impact

The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. The accessibility and precision of droplet-scale anodization could revolutionize several industries:

Consumer Electronics: More durable and scratch-resistant touchscreens

Renewable Energy: Enhanced protection for solar panels, potentially increasing their lifespan

Automotive Industry: Ultra-durable protective coatings for vehicles

Construction: Advanced building materials with both protective and aesthetic properties

Miniaturized Electronics: New possibilities for creating microscale insulating layers

International Collaboration

This breakthrough represents the power of international scientific collaboration. The research team, led by Filipino scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University, including Budlayan and Raphael A. Guerrero, worked closely with colleagues Juan Paolo S. Bermundo, James C. Solano, Mark D. Ilasin, and Yukiharu Uraoka from Japan's Nara Institute of Science and Technology.

Looking Ahead

As the world continues to demand more sophisticated materials for technology and construction, this innovative approach to creating transparent aluminum oxide could prove transformative. The combination of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental consciousness makes this discovery particularly significant in the ongoing push for sustainable technological advancement.

The research has been published in the prestigious journal Langmuir, marking a significant milestone in materials science and demonstrating the Philippines' growing contribution to global scientific innovation.

From Star Trek's fictional viewing ports to real-world applications in electronics and renewable energy, transparent aluminum is no longer just a sci-fi dream. Thanks to this Filipino-led breakthrough, it's becoming an accessible reality that could shape the future of materials science and technology.

5 Financial Life Skills You Should Start Practicing Today

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Money isn't everything, but it is undeniable how necessary it is for everyday life. As early as you can, whether that’s while you’re still a student or while you’re in the starting stages of your career, you’ll want to master some necessary financial life skills so that money-related worries won’t always be on your mind. 

It mostly boils down to learning how to budget, save, and invest in ways that set you up for a secure and fulfilling future. But, like with anything else you want to do well, it takes practice. 

The good news is that developing good money habits is easy if you start small and stay consistent. To that end, here are seven financial life skills you can start practicing to take control of the money you have. There is a learning curve, but it will set you up for long-term success.

1) Budget Like a Pro

Most people spend money as soon as they make it and sometimes spend more than they can afford. Solid budgeting skills will help you avoid money issues and give you a better shot at financial stability. 

In principle, budgeting is relatively simple. You track your income and expenses to see if you're spending money you haven't earned yet. But there's more to it than that if you want your budgeting efforts to be effective—you need a plan. 

The first thing you need to do is prioritize your spending based on your income. Set aside what you need for essentials like food, rent, financial obligations like a personal loan Philippines monthly payment, and utilities. Food and utilities are variable, so make sure you have a little wiggle room. 

Next, find a way to make your finances more visible and easier to account for. Even a simple spreadsheet can make you better at budgeting. And if your bank offers this option, set up automatic payments for utility and credit card bills to save time and to avoid late fees. Automation reduces the temptation to spend money meant for savings and cultivates the habit of paying yourself first.

When you have all the essentials covered, you can allocate funds for other financial goals, like building up your savings or an emergency fund. Whatever you have left is discretionary spending, meaning you don’t need, but want these things. An example would be going out to dinner or to the movies every week or two weeks. That’s not to say you shouldn’t spend on those things, but make sure you have the money for them. 

2) Save for the Future

It should also be like second nature to you to allocate a percentage of your income to savings. Many people don't think they have the bandwidth to do that, especially if they have children or are supporting other people. But remember that you might not always make the same money as you do now, so having something to fall back on during hard times is essential.

You can get into the habit of saving by putting it in the essentials bucket of your budget. Start small, say, 5 percent of your income, and build up to 20 percent as you get more control over your spending. 

Cut back on things you don't need, like a phone plan with unlimited data when you work from home or a gym membership you never use. Clawing back these small amounts can add up to a fair amount of money, and the more you observe the habit, the better you’ll be at the skill of saving for harder times.

3) Set SMART Financial Goals

Writer and philosopher Thomas Carlyle once said, "A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder." That makes sense for life in general, but more so when it comes to money management. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound or SMART goals will give your financial journey direction. 

For example, instead of saying, “I want to save more money,” which sounds very abstract, set a goal like, “I will save PHP 10,000 for a holiday by the end of next year.” That might seem like a lot in one go, but breaking your large goals into smaller, manageable steps will make them feel more attainable. You could save PHP 1000 a month for 10 months just for the purpose of your holiday, for instance. 

You can keep yourself on track by opening a separate account for these goals. That way, you can watch the money grow and avoid the temptation of spending it on something else. In that respect, goal setting will be one of the most important financial skills you can start practicing now. 

4) Track Spending

The only way you can curb unnecessary spending is to figure out your spending patterns. Tracking your expenses can help you understand your habits a little better. 

Do you buy most of the stuff you don’t need online, for example? If that’s the case, it might be time to delete those shopping apps. Knowing where your money goes can help you identify areas where you can cut back.

A budgeting app can help you see exactly where you're spending your money. Some even offer tools to analyze your behavior. You might be shocked at how much of your money is going to non-essentials. Over time, you'll develop a clearer picture of your financial habits, and then you can then apply the practice of adjusting your habits to better align with your goals.

5) Build Credit Responsibly

Cashless transactions are now the norm, and it’s much easier to use credit or debit cards than before. The catch is that you can go overboard with your spending because you don't feel it going out. That makes it incredibly easy to overspend, especially with a credit card. The problem is, you’ll only get the bill at the end of the month.

Using a credit card or two can help you build your credit, which can in turn increase your eligibility for certain loans or help you land certain jobs. But you need to be smart about it, too—paying your credit card late or with only the minimum balance will have the opposite effect on your credit history. 

Pay your bills on time, avoid maxing out your limit, and only charge what you can afford to repay. These habits will keep your credit score healthy, your debt manageable, and your attitude better poised towards practicing good financial discipline.

Take Charge of Your Financial Future

Building an arsenal of strong financial life skills won't happen overnight, but small steps can lead to huge changes over time. These five skills, if practiced diligently, can do a lot to help you take control of your finances and achieve your dream life. Every little bit counts, and again, the sooner you begin, the brighter your financial future can be.