Local Government Committee probe on mining permit in Dupax del Norte: Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Government, urged officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to exercise due diligence in the issuance of a mining exploration permit in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya. He also called on Woggle Corp. to pull out its equipment from the area following the Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s (MGB) imposition of an immediate temporary suspension of its exploration permit due to strong opposition from local communities. Estrada made these pronouncements as he terminated the Senate investigation into the matter on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Senate Socmed/Ariel Cadagas)