LoveBOx 2025: A Sky’s Serenade – Music with a Purpose

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

This Valentine’s season, get ready for an unforgettable evening where melodies meet purpose at LoveBOx 2025: A Sky’s Serenade. Hosted by the Ateneo Biological Organization (BOx), this annual concert-for-a-cause is more than just a celebration of music—it’s a powerful movement to support wildlife conservation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Philippine Eagle Foundation, dedicated to protecting the majestic, yet endangered, Philippine Eagle.

Feel the rhythm of OPM as talented artists like Adie, Over October, The Ridleys, Autotelic, and Munimuni light up the stage, delivering a night of soulful tunes and unforgettable vibes.

But that’s not all! Leading up to the concert, the LoveBOx Bazaar from February 18 to 20 will feature educational talks, exclusive merch, and advocacy booths—each one shining a spotlight on the importance of environmental conservation.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this special event on February 21 at 5 PM at Bellarmine Field, Ateneo de Manila University. It’s more than just a concert; it’s a chance to make a difference with every note.

Tickets are available at P350 for Atenean scholars, P400 for regular Atenean students, and P470 for non-Ateneans (exclusive of ticketing fees). For more details, follow Ateneo LoveBOx 2025: A Sky’s Serenade on Facebook and TikTok, or reach out to the Ateneo Biological Organization for updates.

LoveBOx 2025: A Sky’s Serenade is presented by Ateneo Biological Organization – eXplore.

eXperience. eXcel. Proudly co-presented by Arthaland, Globe, Monde Nissin, Pilotos Grounds, Tent Experts, Tigernu, and Toney & Jackey Salon. Thanks to our major sponsors, SALVAJE Event Services and Studio Persona PH, as well as Aruga by Rockwell and Oreo. Special appreciation to our advocacy partners, Animal Empathy Philippines and Rights of Nature Philippines, and to our media partners like The New Channel, One Music PH, WhenInManila.com and WazzupPilipinas.com

Pinabili Lang ng Suka?’ Luke Espiritu Fires Back at Marcos with Fiery Rebuttal!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Labor leader and senatorial candidate Atty. Luke Espiritu fired back at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his recent remarks comparing administration bets to other slates. Marcos had claimed that some senatorial hopefuls were only good for delivering vinegar before filing their candidacies—a statement Espiritu slammed as belittling and dismissive.

During the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) proclamation rally on Sunday, February 16, Espiritu challenged the crowd, saying:

"Sinabi ni Bongbong Marcos pinabili lang daw tayo ng suka tapos nagkaroon daw tayo ng COC para sa senador…. Papayag ba kayo na tayo ay minamaliit ni Bongbong Marcos?"

The audience responded with a resounding "No!"

Espiritu went on to criticize Marcos, saying he fails to recognize the growing strength of labor leaders and progressive candidates.

"Kapag sinasabi niya [Bongbong Marcos] na para lang tayong pinabili ng suka, parang hindi niya nakikita. Para tayong singaw sa mundong ito."

He urged supporters to make their voices heard by electing labor leaders and sectoral representatives to the Senate.

"Kapag tayo ay naluklok, papakita namin kay Bongbong Marcos, hindi kami taga-hatid ng suka. Kami ay taga-hatid ng pagbabago."

Before the rally at Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Espiritu and fellow PLM senatorial candidate Leody de Guzman accused Marcos' candidates of avoiding debates.

"Pinabili kami ng suka? Eh bakit ayaw nila lumaban sa amin sa debate? Tagabili lang pala kami ng suka eh. Kinakatakutan nila kami sa debate, absent sila. Tapos meron pa silang lakas ng loob mangutya?"

Espiritu further criticized the administration slate, arguing that they would bring no meaningful reform.

"Eh pag sama-sama mo yung mga utak ng lahat ng mga yan. Pag sama-sama mo, walang mabuting madudulot sa Senado mga yan."

Despite the challenges, Espiritu expressed confidence in their campaign, calling Marcos arrogant and warning political dynasties that their dominance would be challenged.

"Makapasok lang kami sa Senado, gugulong ang ulo ng mga lahat ng dynastiya na yan. Pinabili ng suka ah. Sige tingnan natin yung mga pabili ng suka kung anong magagawa sa inyo kapag makapasok kami sa Senado."

A Fight for Genuine Representation

The Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) has been a registered national political party since 2011 and is currently running as a party-list in the upcoming elections. (facebook.com) Their proclamation rally underscored the need for genuine worker and mass representation in the Senate, in contrast to traditional politicians and entrenched political dynasties.

Despite Marcos' remarks, Espiritu and De Guzman remain steadfast in their mission to bring change and put an end to dynastic rule in the country. Their campaign resonates with the growing demand for a government that truly serves the people, rather than just a select few.

For more details about their platform and campaign, visit Partido Lakas ng Masa’s official Facebook page.

Resignation Won’t Save Sara Duterte: Senate May Still Ban Her for Life!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The recent impeachment of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has ignited a complex legal and political debate: Can the Senate Impeachment Court impose a lifetime ban on her holding public office, even if she resigns before or during the trial? This question delves into the core of the nation's constitutional processes and the pursuit of accountability for public officials.

Impeachment Proceedings and Potential Resignation

On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Duterte on charges including a culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. The allegations encompass a purported plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., large-scale corruption involving confidential funds, and other serious misconduct. The case now awaits trial in the Senate, which is constitutionally mandated to convene as an impeachment court upon receipt of the articles of impeachment.

Amid these proceedings, speculation has arisen that Vice President Duterte might consider resignation as a strategy to evade the trial and potential penalties. However, legal experts and lawmakers assert that resignation does not necessarily shield an official from the consequences of impeachment.

Legal Perspectives on Resignation and Disqualification

1-Rider Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez, a member of the House Prosecution Panel, emphasizes that the impeachment process serves two primary purposes: removal from office and the imposition of a penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any public office. He argues that resignation might circumvent removal but should not negate the possibility of disqualification. Gutierrez states, "The purpose of impeachment is one, removal from office, and two, the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding a public office. And I believe resignation, while it might avoid the first penalty, the second penalty is still there." 

This viewpoint is echoed by House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, who underscores that the impeachment trial must proceed irrespective of the Vice President's resignation. He notes that once the House transmits the impeachment complaint, the Senate is constitutionally obligated to convene as an impeachment court and render a decision on the charges. Adiong explains, "The process of the impeachment trial is not tied up with the resignation of the certain official na na-impeached, di ba?" 

Historical Context and Constitutional Interpretations

The Philippine Constitution provides the framework for impeachment but does not explicitly address the impact of resignation on the proceedings. Historically, in cases such as those of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, officials resigned before the Senate could convene as an impeachment court, leading to the cessation of the process. However, these precedents do not conclusively determine whether the Senate retains jurisdiction to impose disqualification after a resignation.

Legal scholars offer differing interpretations. Some argue that the Senate should retain the authority to proceed with the trial to fulfill the impeachment's dual objectives. Others contend that resignation renders the process moot, as the primary goal of removal from office becomes irrelevant. This divergence highlights the need for a definitive constitutional or legislative clarification.

Implications for Democratic Institutions

The outcome of this legal debate carries significant implications for the integrity of the Philippines' democratic institutions. Allowing resignation to nullify the possibility of disqualification could set a precedent enabling officials to evade accountability through strategic resignation. Conversely, asserting the Senate's authority to impose disqualification post-resignation reinforces the principle that public officials are answerable for their actions, irrespective of their office status.

As the nation anticipates the Senate's actions, the resolution of this issue will not only impact Vice President Duterte's political future but also shape the contours of executive accountability and the rule of law in the Philippines.