The reason given for the cancellation of the anticipated House panel briefing on the recent deal between ABS-CBN and TV5 was a very simple one--paperwork.

Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the Committee on Legislative Franchises--the panel that was supposed to host the briefing--admitted to yanking that particular item from the committee's agenda Thursday, Aug. 18 in order to properly consolidate the requests from fellow congressmen to tackle the two-network partnership.

Consolidating first the requests for a briefing, or even a full-blown investigation in aid of legislation, would save his committee the trouble of possibly dispensing with the ABS-CBN and TV5 deal more than once. And because of the upcoming budget season, time is always of the essence for the solons.

Tambunting promised that the panel would eventually discuss the deal, but can't say exactly when.

It remains to be seen what SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta has to say about this "delay" in the tackling of his favorite issue.

Elsewhere, on a matter that's closer to Filipinos' stomachs, the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) bared that they have been experiencing a limited supply of softdrinks and other beverages during the past few weeks.

According to PASCO members, the sugar shortage in the country has led to the supply crunch in soda and similar beverages, thus reducing their earning opportunities.

PASCO has appealed to concerned authorities to immediately resolve the sugar supply situation and hopefully, bolster their livelihood.

These are among the top stories this early Friday morning, Aug. 19, 2022.

1) On ABS-CBN, TV5 deal

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/two-solons-call-for-house-probe-on-tv5-abs-cbn-partnership/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/tambunting-explains-why-house-briefing-on-abs-cbn-tv5-deal-didnt-push-through/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/castros-views-on-abs-cbn-tv5-deal-clashes-with-marcoletas/

2) MMDA coding scheme returns

3) Cabinet Officials' Corner

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/ople-threatens-to-publish-names-of-abusive-employers-recruitment-agencies/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/dost-seeks-to-align-programs-with-marcos-economic-agenda-solidum/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/solidum-shares-earthly-attributes-on-being-a-public-servant/

4) From the Palace

5) DepEd Corner

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/deped-urged-to-make-an-inventory-of-classrooms-amid-reported-shortages/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/deped-records-22-5-million-enrollees-for-sy-2022-2023/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/deped-seeks-help-from-other-private-schools-to-absorb-displaced-cdsl-students/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/first-week-of-classes-to-focus-on-psychosocial-support-activities-deped/

6) Living with Covid-19

7) On sugar importation issue

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/very-productive-2-hour-meeting-between-zubiri-pbbm-on-sugar-issue/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/makabayan-solons-question-veracity-of-sugar-shortage/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/palace-warns-erring-traders-suspected-hoarded-sugar-found-in-pampanga-warehouse/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/ph-to-import-150k-tons-of-sugar-for-industrial-production-says-angeles/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/p220m-worth-of-imported-sugar-seized-in-pampanga-bulacan-raids/

8) DOLE Corner

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/dole-distributes-p427m-to-nearly-100000-displaced-workers-in-w-visayas/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/dole-no-more-f2f-training-for-safety-officers-in-zambo-region/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/dole-dot-join-forces-to-create-more-jobs-in-tourism-sector/

9) 'Ayuda' for poor studes

10) Judiciary Corner

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/makati-city-rtc-sets-aside-vacates-rulingon-p34-b-manila-bay-reclamation-project/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/only-transparent-bags-allowed-insidebucors-offices-seven-prison-facilities/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/electricity-pilferage-within-nbpunearthed-lines-disconnected/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/2nd-case-vs-no-contact-apprehensionpolicy-filed-with-sc-tro-also-sought/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/scs-ruling-on-extrajudicial-killing-violationsof-human-rights-meaningful-measure-chr/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/sc-upholds-sandigan-on-transfer-to-newbilibid-of-3-convicts-as-national-prisoners/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/sandigan-convicts-3-persons-in-p6-6-mbarangay-revenue-allotments-in-cagayan/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/doj-resolves-to-file-criminal-chargesvs-bank-officer-in-wirecard-ag-mess/

11) Weather Update

12) 'Ukay-ukay' issue

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/no-to-ukay-tax-instead-bolster-garment-industry-and-tax-the-wealthy-makabayan/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/doh-supports-proposal-to-legitimize-ukay-ukay-trade/

13) Lawmakers' Corner

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/dswd-to-distribute-one-time-cash-assistance-to-indigent-students-beginning-saturday/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/competitive-edge-house-leader-makes-case-for-honing-pinoys-command-of-english/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/ang-hirap-lunukin-recto-chides-psa-for-saying-p93-budget-is-enough-to-feed-family-of-5/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/pulong-wants-to-see-mindanao-railway-project-done-the-right-way/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/muslim-public-cemetries-needed-in-localities-rep-hataman/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/imee-ditches-maid-in-malacanang-related-trip-due-to-covid-infection/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/villanueva-allow-wfh-arrangements-for-companies-in-ecozones/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/quiapo-heritage-site-declaration-urged-by-manila-solon/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/marcos-should-fix-deeply-problematic-da-issues-sen-hontiveros/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/gabriela-solon-opposes-vat-on-spotify-netflix/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/bill-filed-to-allow-burial-of-sports-heroes-at-libingan-ng-mga-bayani/

14) World Roundup

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/us-taiwan-agree-trade-talks-in-face-of-growing-china-coercion/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/high-ranking-japan-and-china-officials-hold-seven-hour-talks/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/remains-of-two-children-found-in-suitcases-auctioned-in-new-zealand/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/hundreds-evacuated-as-frightening-floods-hit-n-zealand/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/at-least-three-killed-in-kabul-mosque-blast-hospital/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/four-killed-27-missing-in-northwest-china-floods/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/jollibee-opens-flagship-store-in-times-square-nyc/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/ex-fil-am-congressman-arrested-charged-with-multiple-fraud/

15) Metro Roundup

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/suspect-in-rape-slay-of-princess-marie-arrested-in-camarines-sur/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/at-least-3-people-struck-by-lightning-in-trece-martires-tricycle-terminal/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/mayors-of-valenzuela-city-municipality-of-cortes-sign-sisterhood-agreement/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/illegal-barkers-preying-on-passengers-arrested-in-alabang/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/marikina-lgu-honors-sports-trainers-of-silver-medal-winning-natl-paralympic-team/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/paranaque-city-inaugurates-state-of-the-art-fishermans-wharf/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/over-240-residents-hired-on-the-spot-in-caloocan-mega-job-fair/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/caloocan-govt-provides-dental-chairs-to-15-health-centers/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/paranaque-already-implementing-ncap-since-2018-mayor-olivarez/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/no-work-in-qc-offices-on-quezon-day-aug-19/

16) Business Corner

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/bsp-to-allow-trust-units-to-buy-bsp-bills/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/remolona-takes-oath-as-monetary-board-member/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/acen-secures-au100-m-green-loan-for-aussie-projects/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/ph-consumers-most-confident-in-asean-of-tech-driven-growth/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/stocks-trade-sideways-prior-to-bsp-meeting/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/mbc-launches-fast-economic-data-dashboard/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/bsp-hikes-policy-rate-to-3-75/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/legal-issues-hound-iemop-as-wesm-operator-pemc/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/clark-airport-energy-efficient-management-contract-inked/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/satellite-internet-for-banks-launched/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/sugar-shortage-hits-carinderias/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/sss-opens-emergency-loan-to-quake-hit-areas/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/dof-assures-no-looming-loan-default/

17) Provincial Roundup

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/police-arrest-man-for-killing-wife-in-pamplona-cagayan/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/town-officials-back-tiaong-schools-in-preparation-for-face-to-face-classes/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/soldier-killed-one-wounded-in-ph-armys-encounter-with-npa-rebels-in-apayao/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/44-new-covid-19-cases-recorded-in-isabela-dengue-also-rising/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/p1-3-million-shabu-seized-from-dismantled-drug-den-in-tacloban-city/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/17-families-displaced-by-fissures-landslide-in-negros-town/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/western-visayas-police-ready-for-school-opening/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/sk-chairman-nabbed-in-zamboanga-del-norte-drug-buy-bust-operation/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/davao-occidental-insurgency-free-army/
https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/18/diarrhea-downs-126-in-davao-del-norte/