The recent case in Pathanamthitta involving a 13-year-old girl who alleged sexual assault by her classmates has come to a startling conclusion, at least for now. What began as a series of grave accusations—first reported during a routine school counseling session—quickly spiraled, involving claims that nearly ten different individuals were responsible for the abuse. Because these allegations were so severe, they prompted an immediate and intense response from law enforcement, triggering the registration of two FIRs and the intervention of the state Commission for Protection of Child Rights. However, as the investigation unfolded over the past week, the narrative began…

In today’s digital age, the “doctor” that many Filipinos turn to first isn’t actually a medical professional—it’s social media. While platforms like Facebook offer quick snippets of advice, they have become a breeding ground for health misinformation, ranging from dangerous fad diets to inaccurate interpretations of PhilHealth benefits. This trend is particularly worrying given the rising prevalence of cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases in the Philippines—a cluster of interconnected conditions involving the heart, kidneys, and metabolism. Recognizing that this “infodemic” can lead to life-altering health decisions, local patient organizations have mobilized to reclaim the narrative, shifting the focus from viral myths back…