ben balce

Ben Balce is the Associate Editor of Mindanao Gold Star Daily. A veteran journalist since 1997, Ben has served as a city reporter, editorial cartoonist, and regional correspondent for national dailies like Malaya and Abante. An active member of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, he specializes in regional governance, investigative reporting, and visual commentary.

1453 stories

Federation of Free Workers members hold protest signs calling for job protection outside the closed Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation gates in Tagoloan.

Cagayan de Oro

FFW: Don’t sacrifice jobs in Sanjia shutdown

The Federation of Free Workers urges government intervention to protect up to 600 workers displaced by the sudden shutdown of Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation.

May 18, 2026000

FFW President Sonny Matula supporting the CBCP call for the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte during the Rerum Novarum anniversary.

Cagayan de Oro

Labor group backs CBCP call for Senate Trial

The Federation of Free Workers has backed the CBCP’s call for the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte.

May 15, 2026000

High-voltage power transmission lines operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) following a reported drop in transmission charges.

Money Matters

Transmission charges dip in May power bills

NGCP transmission rates declined by 8.8 percent for the May 2026 billing cycle, driven by significant reductions in wheeling charges and lower ancillary service costs.

May 15, 2026000

Cagayan de Oro

Eagles medical mission aids 400 fire-hit Oro families

The Fraternal Order of Eagles organizes a medical mission on May 15 in Barangay Lapasan, providing free healthcare services to 400 families affected by recent fires.

May 13, 2026000

Sonny Matula of NAGKAISA leading a labor call for accountability and wage hikes amid VP Sara Duterte impeachment proceedings.

Cagayan de Oro

Workers’ group warns: Don’t sideline labor issues amid impeachment

NAGKAISA labor coalition in Northern Mindanao demands government accountability, urging officials to prioritize higher wages and workers' rights despite the escalating political conflicts involving the Vice President.

May 12, 2026000

Cagayan de Oro

City Hall People’s Day reaches 3,594 Kagay-anons

Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy’s People’s Day served 3,594 Kagay-anons, delivering direct frontline services and government assistance. The program is set to expand to various barangays next.

May 7, 2026000

A two-panel photo showing members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles NMR 12 Bagwis Dos distributing sacks of rice and food packs to fire-affected residents in Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, with Regional Governor Kuya Archie C. Ello speaking in the background.

Cagayan de Oro

70 families get aid in Camaman-an fire outreach

At least 70 fire-affected families in Barangay Camaman-an received essential aid during an outreach led by the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Northern Mindanao Region 12.

May 5, 2026000

A collage of supplied photos featuring media personality Jay Sonza and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) president Sonny Matula, highlighting the labor group's concern over the "non-bailable" classification of Sonza's arrest under the Revised Penal Code and Cyberlibel laws.

Cagayan de Oro

Labor group flags ‘non-bailable’ tag in Sonza arrest

Federation of Free Workers questions the "non-bailable" marking in Jay Sonza's arrest, citing constitutional rights and warning that improper legal labels threaten workers and critics.

May 5, 2026000

FFW National President Sonny Matula and former NLRC commissioner Culoy Sarmen meeting with Macajalar Labor Union–FFW (MLU-FFW) members and Joel Tongco in Cagayan de Oro City to discuss the ₱200 wage hike proposal and regional fuel cost disparities.

Cagayan de Oro

Labor Day call: Amid high costs, low pay, Oro workers push ₱200 wage hike

Apr 30, 2026000

Labor groups from the Federation of Free Workers and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition celebrating the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Labor Education Act, or Republic Act No. 11551.

Cagayan de Oro

Labor education law rules signed after 5 years

Labor groups welcome the signed IRR of Republic Act 11551, institutionalizing labor education in schools after a five-year delay to empower workers and protect rights.

Apr 29, 2026000

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Sonny Matula speaking about the necessity of legislated wage relief and the suspension of fuel taxes to protect Filipino workers from inflation.

News

Suspend fuel taxes, raise wages — labor group

FFW President Sonny Matula calls for fuel tax relief and a ₱100-₱200 legislated wage hike, arguing workers shouldn't be the "shock absorber" of the economy.

Apr 26, 2026000

Cagayan de Oro

Claim health aid by April 29, City Hall urges

Former CDO health workers can claim their HEA benefits on April 29 at J.R. Borja General Hospital. The final cutoff for Finance Office claims is May 5.

Apr 24, 2026000